11. Pakistan cumhurbaşkanı
MQM-P warns of protest if Centre does not ensure implementation of 2022 agreement with PPP
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Saturday warned of issuing a protest call if the Centre did not ensure that the party’s 2022 agreement with PPP on various provincial issues was implemented. MQM-P and PPP had signed an 18-point agreement on March 30, 2022 — just before the two joined hands with other parties to remove PTI’s Imran Khan as the prime minister. MQM-P’s demands ranged from municipal government structure to future power-sharing formula and recruitment policy in Sindh to local policing system. Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Farooq Sattar referred to that deal as the “last agreement between MQM-P and PPP”. He stressed that his party had not demanded to be included in the provincial government or sought authority over Sindh’s resources. Sattar claimed that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held “no meeting despite repeated reminders from MQM-P” on the agreement to implement a Supreme Court order regarding local governments within one month. “This was not implemented. This entire agreement was not implemented. This has around 18 points, out of which not even one was implemented,” the MQM-P leader asserted. Highlighting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (then the PML-N president), Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Akhtar Mengal and Khalid Hussain Magsi had signed the pact as witnesses, Sattar called for the Centre to take action. Sattar said: “You (Bilawal) have a direct signature on our rights and the solution of our problems, but the witness of this nikah, this relationship, is mian Shehbaz Sharif, so he [and] the federal government — I am not using the word intervention — but they would have to get involved. “And these 18 points would have to be implemented; otherwise, the question remains of when and how MQM-P issues a protest call,” he said, adding that PM Shehbaz must also fulfil his responsibility. The MQM-P leader stressed that his “SOS call” was not just for Bilawal and President Asif Ali Zardari, but also for the prime minister, whom he termed the “guarantor” of the agreement. He reiterated that MQM-P was “giving a final warning” to the federal government and PM Shehbaz. “You will have to get involved somewhere, or else MQM-P will begin such a protest movement that no one will be able to bring back MQM-P, the people of Karachi and those residing in other cities of Sindh,” Sattar said. He urged the premier to visit Karachi and resolve the matter before “public deprivation, injustice and lack of attention and confidence cross all limits and they take to the streets”. Sattar said his party was “in contact” with the public regarding a protest movement, adding that the Centre should not interfere later on to stop them. At one point during his press talk, Sattar said he was not addressing Bilawal as much, but rather “calling on the Centre to fulfil its Constitutional role”. The MQM-P leader said a referendum should be held under Article 149 of the Constitution, which allows the federal government to issue directives to provinces in certain cases. Calling for the abolishment of the quota system for government jobs, Sattar said that even the parity of 60:40 for rural/urban Sindh agreed under the pact was not implemented. Noting that a joint commission on the issue of fake domiciles had not been formed, the MQM-P leader said President Zardari, or even PM Shehbaz if needed, must get involved if Bilawal failed to implement that. Sharjeel Memon assails MQM-P’s ‘political blackmailing’ In response to MQM-P’s press conference, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the “mandate of the people of Sindh, the 1973 Constitution and the province are not experimental grounds to be targeted whenever a party’s politics becomes weak”. According to a statement issued on X by the Sindh Information Department, Memon said Sattar should remember that people of Sindh had given a “clear mandate” to the PPP, adding that “it cannot be changed through a press conference, threat or political blackmailing”. Memon further said: “If MQM-P wants to get a big share in power, the path lies through the public’s vote. Power cannot be gained through federal intervention or by dragging constitutional institutions into political disputes.” The Sindh minister contended that MQM-P believed in the “politics of shortcuts rather than public mandate” and termed its use of federal intervention as evidence of the party’s “political blackmailing”. “MQM-P should not turn the resources of Karachi’s people into a means of political bargaining,” Memon quipped. Further assailing MQM-P, the PPP leader said the former’s demand to hand over Karachi’s matters to the Centre was a “heinous conspiracy against the federal structure”. The minister questioned why MQM-P could not have its promises for Karachi fulfilled despite being a part of the ruling coalition, and urged Sattar’s party to question its allies in the Centre. While PPP and MQM-P are the ruling PML-N’s allies in the Centre, MQM-P sits in the opposition in the PPP-led Sindh and criticises the provincial government for its administration of Karachi. Since the deadly Gul Plaza fire on January 17 sparked a debate over the need for reforms in LGs, MQM-P has repeatedly called for Karachi to be declared a “federal territory”. After MQM-P urged Bilawal to seek resignations from Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, the top PPP leadership publicly reaffirmed their confidence in the Sindh government and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
Karachi mayor inaugurates two fire stations in Jauhar, Bolton Market
Mayor Murtaza Wahab prays after inaugurating the Gulstan-i-Jauhar fire station.—Dawn KARACHI: In a major step towards strengthening Karachi’s emergency response and firefighting capacity, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab inaugurated two more fire stations in the metropolis. Officials said that the new facilities were established in the Gulistan-i-Jauhar and Bolton Market areas. The initiative is said to be part of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s broader strategy to modernise the city’s rescue and fire-fighting infrastructure, ensuring faster and more effective emergency services for residents. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the mayor said that the establishment of the fire stations marks a significant milestone in improving emergency preparedness across Karachi. He noted that the Gulistan-i-Jauhar Fire Station has been restored after nearly three decades, transforming what had remained an abandoned facility into a fully functional emergency response centre that will serve the densely populated area and its surrounding localities. Says besides restoring existing facilities, KMC is procuring modern firefighting equipment to strengthen firefighting capacity The mayor said that Karachi has witnessed several devastating fire incidents in the past, and those experiences have highlighted the need for stronger infrastructure, modern equipment and better preparedness. “We have learned from the past and are taking practical measures to ensure that our firefighting and emergency response systems are capable of meeting future challenges,” he said. He emphasised that the rehabilitation of fire stations is only one component of a much larger modernisation programme. Alongside the restoration of existing facilities, the KMC is upgrading fire station infrastructure and procuring state-of-the-art equipment with the support of the Sindh government. He stated that, under the special directives of President Asif Ali Zardari and with the full support of the Sindh government, a multi-billion-rupee project has been launched to transform Karachi’s firefighting services. As part of this initiative, an international competitive bidding process has already been floated for the procurement of modern fire-fighting machinery and equipment, and the procurement process is expected to be completed soon. The mayor further said that the upgraded fire stations would be equipped with high-capacity water storage tanks with a capacity of hundreds of thousands of gallons, solar-powered systems and improved operational infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted emergency services. He explained that before the rehabilitation of the Gulistan-i-Jauhar Fire Station, the Gulshan Fire Station had been responding to emergencies in both Gulshan-i-Iqbal and Gulistan-i-Jauhar areas, placing considerable pressure on available resources. With the restoration of the new station, emergency response responsibilities will now be shared, significantly reducing response times and enhancing the city’s ability to deal with fires and other emergencies more efficiently. He said that visible development projects and improved municipal services demonstrate the government’s commitment to delivering practical results that directly benefit the people of Karachi. “The transformation of Karachi is not limited to one department. We are investing in modern infrastructure, better public services, and improved facilities across the city. These projects reflect our commitment to providing citizens with a safer, more efficient, and better-managed Karachi,” he added. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Municipal Commissioner Abrar Jaffar, the director general technical services, the chief fire officer and others. Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2026
Karaçi Belediye Başkanı'ndan İtfaiyeye Takviye: İki Yeni İstasyon AçıldıWill constitutional reform follow?
WHILE participating in the recent budget debate at the National Assembly, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari argued in favour of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan being given direct representation in the federal parliament. The PPP chairperson has advocated for provisional provincial status for GB, without compromising the country’s stated position on the Kashmir dispute in view of the UN resolutions. Historically, both regions revolted against the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir as British rule came to an end in the subcontinent. Following a bloody struggle, the people of GB and AJK gained control of their territory. GB wanted to accede to Pakistan while in AJK, local political leaders established a government under Sardar Mohammad Ibrahim Khan. The constitutional evolution of the two regions, however, followed different paths. Under the controversial Karachi Agreement of 1949, powers relating to GB’s administration were transferred to the government of Pakistan. AJK developed a political structure with its own elected assembly, prime minister and president, within a framework subject to federal oversight. GB, on the other hand, remained under direct bureaucratic administration from Islamabad. Governance was largely managed by junior civil servants who were often unfamiliar with local realities and aspirations. The region continued to be governed through colonial-era legal structures, compounded by the introduction of the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) and the appointment of political agents on the model of the former tribal areas. This prolonged denial of representative institutions and constitutional rights became a major source of grievance for GB’s residents who continue to seek a constitutional arrangement that guarantees democratic representation, self-governance and equality with citizens of Pakistan’s other federating units, consistent with the principle of self-rule provided in UN resolutions. During the recent election campaign in GB, the issue of constitutional and political empowerment received surprisingly little attention. Most political parties focused on routine governance matters, development projects and local political rivalries. The long-standing demand for a meaningful constitutional status and representation in Pakistan’s federal institutions remained largely absent from the public discourse. The PPP chairman placed the issue of constitutional rights at the centre of the party’s election campaign in GB. Bhutto-Zardari, however, placed the issue of constitutional rights at the centre of the PPP’s election campaign. He reminded voters that it was Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who initiated the most far-reaching reforms in GB after assuming power in the early 1970s. The princely states of the region were merged into a unified administrative structure, bringing an end to centuries-old feudal arrangements. Discriminatory laws, including the FCR, were abolished, and administrative reforms integrated the region more closely with Pakistan’s mainstream governance system. Further judicial and administrative reforms were introduced in Benazir Bhutto’s era. Although the powers granted remained limited, these measures marked an important step towards participatory governance and laid the foundation for future constitutional development. The most significant breakthrough came in 2009 when the PPP government promulgated the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order. Until then, the region was officially known as the ‘Northern Areas’ — a designation that ignored its historical and cultural identity. The 2009 reforms formally adopted the name ‘Gilgit-Baltistan’ and introduced institutions resembling those of a province. An elected chief minister became the head of government, while a governor represented the federation. The Legislative Assembly received enhanced powers, and the people were given a greater role in managing their own affairs. Although these reforms stopped short of granting constitutional status or parliamentary representation, they represented a major departure from the bureaucratic system that had long governed the region. More importantly, they generated a sustained political discourse on the need for full constitutional recognition. Faced with growing demands for provincial status, the PML-N government constituted a committee under the chairmanship of the late Sartaj Aziz, a respected statesman. The committee consulted respected diplomats, constitutional experts and public policy practitioners. Its recommendations supported representation for GB’s people in the federal parliament and proposed institutional reforms aimed at enhancing local participation in governance. Unfortunately, the PML-N did not fully implement the recommendations of its own committee, introducing, instead, a new governance structure in 2018 that, in certain respects, rolled back the powers granted under the 2009 Order. These shortcomings were noted by the Supreme Court of Pakistan that ordered the repeal of the 2018 Order to be replaced by a revised 2019 new order drafted by the federal government based on the Sartaj Aziz report. Building upon his party’s historical legacy, the PPP chairman has argued that the logical step in the constitutional evolution of GB is the granting of provisional provincial status and representation in both Houses of parliament while safeguarding Pakistan’s position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. To underline his priorities, he invoked the concepts of ‘hakmiyat’ (self-rule) and ‘malkiyat’ (ownership rights over land and resources). These themes resonated strongly with the electorate, particularly in Baltistan, where concerns over land ownership and local control of resources have remained central political issues for many years. His message contributed significantly to the PPP’s success in the recent local assembly elections. Bhutto-Zardari has taken the debate from GB to the floor of the National Assembly. Consistent with the PPP’s historical role in advancing constitutional and political reforms in the region, he has used the parliamentary platform to articulate the aspirations of the people of both GB and AJK. He openly advocated granting both regions representation within the country’s constitutional framework while preserving Pakistan’s principled position that the final status of these territories remains subject to the eventual resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Whether this marks the beginning of genuine constitutional transformation or is merely another chapter in a long history of unfulfilled promises will depend on the political will of Pakistan’s leadership. GB’s people have spoken in the hope that the PPP will honour its commitment. They deserve more than assurances; they deserve a constitutional settlement that guarantees representation, self-governance and equality within the federal framework while safeguarding the country’s principled position on Kashmir. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has spoken clearly. The people of GB now await action. The writer, a former IGP Sindh, belongs to Gilgit-Baltistan. Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2026
Overcrowded bus plunges into ravine in southwest Pakistan, killing 40 passengers
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow over the crash, offered condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir pay respects to Iran's assassinated supreme leader Khamenei
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday paid their respects to Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28. Khamenei’s body arrived at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla on Friday ahead of his funeral. Apart from PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir, other foreign dignitaries, clerics, officials and mourners also paid their respects as the body lay in state in a vast hall. Photos showed mourners carrying Khamenei’s coffin, emblazoned with Iran’s tricolour flag, into the Grand Mosalla, one of the Islamic republic’s most important ceremonial venues. Others show crowds at a pre-funeral ceremony clad in black, as the coffin was set down against a backdrop of red flowers and white butterflies hanging in the air. Ahmad Vahidi, head of the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the military, made his first appearance since the start of the war in February, paying his respects at the coffin, Iranian media footage showed. He will lie in state for three days at the colossal Grand Mosalla, which has been draped in banners featuring images and quotes of Khamenei. Millions of people and a coterie of foreign dignitaries are expected to attend Saturday’s official ceremony for Khamenei. Representatives from around 30 countries are expected to attend the funeral, with people pouring in from neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan. The bodies of his slain relatives will also be present. Multi-city commemorations The funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader will pass through a series of locations — from the seat of power in Tehran to the holy cities of Qom, Karbala, Najaf and finally Mashhad — that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. His funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, is taking place as Iran and the US uphold a fragile ceasefire after signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to halt the conflict. The US and Israel initiated a war against Iran with the initial strikes assassinating the supreme leader and his family members — his daughter, grandchild, son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Other senior Iranian military commanders were also assassinated during the strikes, including Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. His public funeral will begin on Saturday, with his body lying in state at the colossal complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei’s body will be taken to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before his burial on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, his birthplace. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a massive public turnout at the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would serve as a “decisive” response to terrorism, violence and bullying, while demonstrating national unity, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Who is attending from Pakistan? PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir arrived in Tehran separately earlier today. CDF Munir was received by Iranian officials and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was already present in Tehran, an X post by PTV News said. A post on PM Office’s X account said the premier was received by Iran’s interior minister, Pakistan’s ambassador to Tehran and senior diplomatic officials from Pakistan and Iran at Mehrabad Airport. The post said the premier was on a one-day visit to Iran, during which he would participate in Khamenei’s funeral rites. “The prime minister will express heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Pakistani people and government to the Iranian leadership and bereaved families, and reaffirm Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly Iranian nation in this hour of grief,” it added. PM Shehbaz is accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on the visit to Iran, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said as he left for Tehran. The PMO said that after wrapping up his visit to Iran, the premier would proceed onward to Turkiye. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani also arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation to attend the funeral prayers and burial earlier in the day, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported. Iranian officials received the delegation upon its arrival in Tehran.
Pakistan PM to Attend Khamenei Funeral in Iran, Then Visit TurkiyePM Shehbaz, CDF Munir pay respects to Iran's assassinated supreme leader Khamenei's last rites
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday paid their respects to Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28. Khamenei’s body arrived at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla on Friday ahead of his funeral. Apart from PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir, other foreign dignitaries, clerics, officials and mourners also paid their respects as the body lay in state in a vast hall. Photos showed mourners carrying Khamenei’s coffin, emblazoned with Iran’s tricolour flag, into the Grand Mosalla, one of the Islamic republic’s most important ceremonial venues. Others show crowds at a pre-funeral ceremony clad in black, as the coffin was set down against a backdrop of red flowers and white butterflies hanging in the air. Ahmad Vahidi, head of the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the military, made his first appearance since the start of the war in February, paying his respects at the coffin, Iranian media footage showed. He will lie in state for three days at the colossal Grand Mosalla, which has been draped in banners featuring images and quotes of Khamenei. Millions of people and a coterie of foreign dignitaries are expected to attend Saturday’s official ceremony for Khamenei. Representatives from around 30 countries are expected to attend the funeral, with people pouring in from neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan. The bodies of his slain relatives will also be present. Multi-city commemorations The funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader will pass through a series of locations — from the seat of power in Tehran to the holy cities of Qom, Karbala, Najaf and finally Mashhad — that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. His funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, is taking place as Iran and the US uphold a fragile ceasefire after signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to halt the conflict. The US and Israel initiated a war against Iran with the initial strikes assassinating the supreme leader and his family members — his daughter, grandchild, son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Other senior Iranian military commanders were also assassinated during the strikes, including Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. His public funeral will begin on Saturday, with his body lying in state at the colossal complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei’s body will be taken to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before his burial on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, his birthplace. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a massive public turnout at the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would serve as a “decisive” response to terrorism, violence and bullying, while demonstrating national unity, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Who is attending from Pakistan? PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir arrived in Tehran separately earlier today. CDF Munir was received by Iranian officials and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was already present in Tehran, an X post by PTV News said. A post on PM Office’s X account said the premier was received by Iran’s interior minister, Pakistan’s ambassador to Tehran and senior diplomatic officials from Pakistan and Iran at Mehrabad Airport. The post said the premier was on a one-day visit to Iran, during which he would participate in Khamenei’s funeral rites. “The prime minister will express heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Pakistani people and government to the Iranian leadership and bereaved families, and reaffirm Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly Iranian nation in this hour of grief,” it added. PM Shehbaz is accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on the visit to Iran, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said as he left for Tehran. The PMO said that after wrapping up his visit to Iran, the premier would proceed onward to Turkiye. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani also arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation to attend the funeral prayers and burial earlier in the day, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported. Iranian officials received the delegation upon its arrival in Tehran.
Pakistan PM to Attend Khamenei Funeral in Iran, Then Visit TurkiyePM Shehbaz, CDF Munir participate in Iran's assassinated supreme leader Khamenei's last rites
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir participated in the last rites of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28. Khamenei’s body arrived at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla on Friday ahead of his funeral. Apart from PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir, other foreign dignitaries, clerics, officials and mourners also paid their respects as the body lay in state in a vast hall. Photos showed mourners carrying Khamenei’s coffin, emblazoned with Iran’s tricolour flag, into the Grand Mosalla, one of the Islamic republic’s most important ceremonial venues. Others show crowds at a pre-funeral ceremony clad in black, as the coffin was set down against a backdrop of red flowers and white butterflies hanging in the air. Ahmad Vahidi, head of the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the military, made his first appearance since the start of the war in February, paying his respects at the coffin, Iranian media footage showed. He will lie in state for three days at the colossal Grand Mosalla, which has been draped in banners featuring images and quotes of Khamenei. Millions of people and a coterie of foreign dignitaries are expected to attend Saturday’s official ceremony for Khamenei. Representatives from around 30 countries are expected to attend the funeral, with people pouring in from neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan. The bodies of his slain relatives will also be present. Multi-city commemorations The funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader will pass through a series of locations — from the seat of power in Tehran to the holy cities of Qom, Karbala, Najaf and finally Mashhad — that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. His funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, is taking place as Iran and the US uphold a fragile ceasefire after signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to halt the conflict. The US and Israel initiated a war against Iran with the initial strikes assassinating the supreme leader and his family members — his daughter, grandchild, son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Other senior Iranian military commanders were also assassinated during the strikes, including Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. His public funeral will begin on Saturday, with his body lying in state at the colossal complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. Following the ceremonies in Tehran, Khamenei’s body will be taken to the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala before his burial on July 9 at the shrine of Imam Reza in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad, his birthplace. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a massive public turnout at the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would serve as a “decisive” response to terrorism, violence and bullying, while demonstrating national unity, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Who is attending from Pakistan? CDF Munir was received by Iranian officials and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was already present in Tehran, an X post by PTV News said. Following Shehbaz’s arrival, a post on PM Office’s X account said he was received by Iran’s interior minister, Pakistan’s ambassador to Tehran and senior diplomatic officials from Pakistan and Iran at Mehrabad Airport. The post said the premier was on a one-day visit to Iran, during which he would participate in Khamenei’s funeral rites. “The prime minister will express heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Pakistani people and government to the Iranian leadership and bereaved families, and reaffirm Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly Iranian nation in this hour of grief,” it added. PM Shehbaz is accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on the visit to Iran, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said as he left for Tehran. The PMO said that after wrapping up his visit to Iran, the premier would proceed onward to Turkiye. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani also arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation to attend the funeral prayers and burial earlier in the day, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported. Iranian officials received the delegation upon its arrival in Tehran.
Pakistan PM to Attend Khamenei Funeral in Iran, Then Visit TurkiyePM Shehbaz, CDF Munir arrive in Tehran for funeral of assassinated Iranian supreme leader Khamenei
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday to attend the funeral of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, state broadcaster PTV reports. CDF Munir was received by Iranian officials and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was already present in Tehran, an X post by PTV said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had departed for Iran to attend the funeral earlier in the day, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. In a post on social media platform X, the PMO said the premier was accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. “The prime minister will express heartfelt condolences to the Iranian leadership and the bereaved families and reaffirm Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly Iranian nation in this hour of grief,” it said. The PMO said that after wrapping up his visit to Iran, the premier would proceed onward to Turkiye. Earlier, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation to attend the funeral prayers and burial, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported. Iranian officials received the Pakistani delegation upon its arrival in Tehran. China, Afghanistan and Iran’s neighbours in the Caucasus region have said they will also be sending representatives. The funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader will pass through a series of locations — from the seat of power in Tehran to the holy cities of Qom, Karbala, Najaf and finally Mashhad — that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. His funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, is taking place as Iran and the US uphold a fragile ceasefire after signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to halt the conflict. The US and Israel initiated a war against Iran with the initial strikes assassinating the supreme leader and his family members — his daughter, grandchild, son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Other senior Iranian military commanders were also assassinated during the strikes, including Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. His public funeral will begin on Saturday, with his body lying in state at the colossal complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a massive public turnout at the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would serve as a “decisive” response to terrorism, violence and bullying, while demonstrating national unity, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Additional input from AFP
Pakistan PM to Attend Khamenei Funeral in Iran, Then Visit TurkiyeCDF Munir arrives in Tehran for funeral of assassinated Iranian supreme leader Khamenei
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday to attend the funeral of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, state broadcaster PTV reports. CDF Munir was received by Iranian officials and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was already present in Tehran, an X post by PTV said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also departed for Iran to attend the funeral earlier in the day, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. In a post on social media platform X, the PMO said the premier was accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. “The prime minister will express heartfelt condolences to the Iranian leadership and the bereaved families and reaffirm Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly Iranian nation in this hour of grief,” it said. The PMO said that after wrapping up his visit to Iran, the premier would proceed onward to Turkiye. Earlier, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation to attend the funeral prayers and burial, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported. Iranian officials received the Pakistani delegation upon its arrival in Tehran. China, Afghanistan and Iran’s neighbours in the Caucasus region have said they will also be sending representatives. The funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader will pass through a series of locations — from the seat of power in Tehran to the holy cities of Qom, Karbala, Najaf and finally Mashhad — that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. His funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, is taking place as Iran and the US uphold a fragile ceasefire after signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to halt the conflict. The US and Israel initiated a war against Iran with the initial strikes assassinating the supreme leader and his family members — his daughter, grandchild, son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Other senior Iranian military commanders were also assassinated during the strikes, including Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. His public funeral will begin on Saturday, with his body lying in state at the colossal complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a massive public turnout at the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would serve as a “decisive” response to terrorism, violence and bullying, while demonstrating national unity, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Additional input from AFP
Pakistan PM to Attend Khamenei Funeral in Iran, Then Visit TurkiyeCDF Munir arrives in Tehran for funeral of assassinated supreme leader Khamenei
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir has arrived in Tehran to attend the funeral of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was assassinated in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, state broadcaster PTV reports. CDF Munir was received by Iranian officials and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was already present in Tehran. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also departed for Iran to attend the funeral earlier in the day, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. In a post on social media platform X, the PMO said the premier was accompanied by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Bukhari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. “The prime minister will express heartfelt condolences to the Iranian leadership and the bereaved families and reaffirm Pakistan’s complete solidarity with the brotherly Iranian nation in this hour of grief,” it said. The PMO said that after wrapping up his visit to Iran, the premier would proceed onward to Turkiye. Earlier, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani arrived in Tehran with a high-level delegation to attend the funeral prayers and burial, state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) reported. Iranian officials received the Pakistani delegation upon its arrival in Tehran. China, Afghanistan and Iran’s neighbours in the Caucasus region have said they will also be sending representatives. The funeral ceremonies for the supreme leader will pass through a series of locations — from the seat of power in Tehran to the holy cities of Qom, Karbala, Najaf and finally Mashhad — that reflect the religious, political and ideological pillars of the Islamic republic. His funeral, initially delayed at the height of the Middle East war, is taking place as Iran and the US uphold a fragile ceasefire after signing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to halt the conflict. The US and Israel initiated a war against Iran with the initial strikes assassinating the supreme leader and his family members — his daughter, grandchild, son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Other senior Iranian military commanders were also assassinated during the strikes, including Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. His public funeral will begin on Saturday, with his body lying in state at the colossal complex in central Tehran that hosts major Friday prayers, official ceremonies and religious gatherings. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a massive public turnout at the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would serve as a “decisive” response to terrorism, violence and bullying, while demonstrating national unity, state broadcaster Press TV reported. Additional input from AFP
Pakistan PM to Attend Khamenei Funeral in Iran, Then Visit Turkiye- Güvenlik03 Tem
40 killed, 8 injured as passenger bus falls into ravine near Balochistan-KP border
QUETTA: Forty people were killed and eight others injured when a Peshawar-bound passenger bus fell into a ravine just as it left the Dhanasar area of Balochistan’s Sherani district and crossed the provincial border into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan on Friday, officials said. The number of casualties was first shared in a statement by the Balochistan chief minister’s aide for media and political affairs, Shahid Rind, who cited initial reports. It was later also confirmed by the KP Rescue 112. Rind’s statement said rescue efforts were initiated soon after the accident on Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s directives. “District administrations from both provinces, rescue and other relevant departments are providing assistance to the affected persons,” the statement said late in the morning, while relief and rescue activities were under way. The statement added that the incident would be investigated to bring facts to light. A statement by KP Rescue 1122 said teams from Zhob emergency services and Rescue 1122 reached the site soon after receiving information about the accident and carried out rescue efforts. The eight injured people were taken to District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) in Zhob while the bodies were initially taken to a nearby rural health centre. The bodies were later shifted to Zhob DHQ, the Rescue 1122 statement said. It added that 48 passengers were aboard the bus when it fell into the ravine. Earlier, Sherani Deputy Commissioner (DC) Wali Khan Kakar confirmed the location and other details of the incident to Dawn, saying that the bus left Quetta with 36 passengers, but more people from another broken-down bus boarded it midway. Condolences Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief and extended condolences to the victims’ families. An X post by the Presidency said he prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and directed the relevant departments to ensure the provision of best possible medical facilities to the injured. “The entire nation shares the grief of the affected families after this tragic incident,” the statement quoted him as saying. Balochistan CM Bugti also expressed grief over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved in a post on X. He said he had directed the relevant departments to expedite rescue efforts, provide the best medical facilities to the injured and ensure all possible assistance for the affected families. “The Balochistan government is standing with the affected families at this difficult time,” he said. Today’s incident comes around two-and-a-half months after a vehicle plunged into a deep ravine in the Nawagai Asbanr area of KP’s Lower Dir area, leaving three women dead and two people injured. Prior to that, a jeep carrying five passengers skidded off a wet, slippery road and plunged into a deep ravine in Upper Chitral in KP on March 31. As a result, three people, including a child, were killed and two others were injured. Additional input from Saleem Shahid
Karaçi'de Paramiliter Üsse Saldırıda En Az 3 Asker Öldü GB CM’s swearing-in postponed due to party chief’s unavailability
• Ceremony to be rescheduled as Bilawal due to attend Khamenei’s funeral this week • CM-elect seeks additional federal funds to tackle climate crisis • Urges provisional provincial status for GB to reinforce Kashmir stance GILGIT: The swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Advocate Amjad Hussain, originally scheduled for July 1, has been postponed due to the unavailability of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The PPP chief is expected to attend the funeral rites of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the coming days, according to the party. Elected unopposed as the Leader of the House on June 22, Advocate Amjad Hussain was scheduled to take the oath of office on July 1. According to an official statement issued by the PPP’s local chapter on Sunday, the decision to postpone the ceremony was taken in view of the PPP chairman’s engagements. A new date and time for the oath-taking ceremony will be announced later, the statement added. Speaking about the challenges ahead, CM-elect Hussain told Dawn on Sunday that the region was facing the devastating impacts of climate change amid the current financial crisis. He said the GB government would seek additional funds from the federal government to tackle the issue. He said the GB government would ensure the effective utilisation of public funds for the welfare of the local people. His government would set its priorities and begin work after the oath-taking ceremony, he added. Replying to a question, the newly elected chief minister said the delay in passing the budget for the current fiscal year in June would not be an issue. CM-elect Hussain, who is also the PPP’s GB chapter president, said his government would be people-friendly and would leave no stone unturned for the betterment of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He said the PPP had contested the GB elections on three slogans: Right to Rule, Right to Land Ownership, and Right to Employment. “These slogans countered the narratives of religious and nationalist parties,” he remarked. He said the PPP had proposed provisional provincial status for GB in response to the Modi government’s decision to revoke the special status of India-held Kashmir in 2019. Granting GB provisional provincial status, he said, would counter India’s move. According to him, granting provisional provincial status to GB and providing representation to its people in the Senate and National Assembly until a plebiscite is held in Kashmir would safeguard Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue. He recalled that the PPP chairman’s recent speech in the National Assembly on the rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had highlighted this aspect. The CM-elect said the PTI government had sabotaged the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment in 2022, which sought to declare GB a provisional province of Pakistan. He said it was high time for the federal government to respond to the Modi government’s move in India-held Kashmir, adding that declaring GB a provisional province was the appropriate response. Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2026
Missing the mark
PAKISTAN’S commitment to the SDGs is routinely reaffirmed, but the gap between promises and progress continues to widen. A meeting between First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari and the UN country team highlighted priorities such as public health, nutrition, education, climate resilience and women’s empowerment — areas where progress is urgently needed. Yet, with fewer than four years remaining until the 2030 deadline, Pakistan is off-track on many of the goals it pledged to achieve. Cooperation with the UN is valuable, but Pakistan cannot rely on international partners to compensate for weak governance and inconsistent implementation at home. The SDGs are benchmarks for improving lives, not just global commitments. Polio is the clearest example. Despite decades of vaccination campaigns, billions of rupees in spending and sustained foreign aid, we remain one of only two countries where the disease is still endemic. The UN has warned that the coming year will be decisive, but technology alone will not suffice. AI may improve outreach, but it cannot replace routine immunisation, effective local administration, community trust or political resolve. Similar shortcomings persist elsewhere. Around 41pc of Pakistani children suffer from stunting, maternal anaemia remains widespread, adolescent pregnancies continue to endanger mothers and infants, and millions still lack access to quality education and healthcare. These failures reflect a broader inability to translate policy into results. Climate change is placing pressure on strained public services, while poverty, gender inequality and poor sanitation continue to undermine development. Pakistan should therefore treat the SDGs as the foundation of national policymaking rather than as commitments revisited during high-level meetings. Federal and provincial governments must coordinate more effectively, strengthen local institutions and ensure that development spending produces measurable outcomes instead of political dividends. Reliable data, monitoring and sustained investment in health, education and nutrition are essential. International agencies can provide expertise and support, but they cannot substitute for domestic leadership. Missing the SDG targets would mean condemning another generation of Pakistanis to preventable disease, chronic malnutrition and persistent inequality. Can the state deliver the essentials? Pakistan still has time to answer that question in the affirmative, but only if urgency replaces complacency. Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2026
Pakistan'ın SKA Taahhütleri ile İlerleme Arasındaki Uçurum Büyüyor- Siyasi26 Haz
President Zardari gives assent to finance bill outlining budget for FY2026-27
President Asif Ali Zardari gave his assent on Friday to the Finance Bill, 2026, which outlines the budget for the upcoming fiscal year with an outlay of Rs17.5718.8 trillion. “President Asif Ali Zardari has assented to the Finance Bill, 2026, relating to the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27,” a post on the Presidency’s X account said. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the FY2026-27 budget in the National Assembly (NA) on June 12, offering relief to higher-income salaried individuals and businesses by rationalising income tax, sales tax, and customs duties, while promoting documentation, digital compliance, and investment. The NA passed the budget on Tuesday after the opposition staged a walkout. The House approved the budget after all seven amendments moved by opposition members were rejected by a majority vote. However, the finance bill included amendments suggested by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance. Some of the key changes made to the bill since its introduction in parliament included the abolition of duties on mineral water or hydration drinks, sales tax exemption for local airlines on the import or lease of aircrafts, and an amendment to the duties imposed on electric cars or SUVs imported into the country. The government did away with the proposed 20 per cent Federal Excise Duty (FED) on mineral waters, aerated waters, hydration drinks or electrolyte beverages with artificial sweetener or sugar content below 5g/100 ml. Previously, all kinds of mineral waters, aerated waters, hydration drinks or electrolyte beverages were subjected to 20pc FED, irrespective of the artificial sweetener or sugar content. The budget draft also included permission for all airlines operating in the country to avail sales tax exemption on the import or lease of aircrafts and their parts from July 1, 2027, which was only granted to PIA in the original bill. It also showed that excise duty on imported electric cars would be calculated based on their values, to be calculated US dollars. No FED will be applicable on electric cars and electric SUVs, imported in Completely Built-Up (CBU) condition with a value not exceeding $75,000, as determined under section 25 of the Customs Act, 1969. Meanwhile, 30pc excise duty would be applicable on electric cars and electric SUVs valued between $75,000 and $110,000, while those whose value exceeds $110,000 would face 40pc excise duty. Meanwhile, the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) tax on imported phones will now be paid in instalments, but all instalments have to be paid before the end of the financial year in which the import is made. The legislation approved also revealed that persons having turnover up to Rs200 million may opt out of the fixed tax regime, subject to a final and irrevocable certificate filed with the Tax Commissioner before filing their returns for the tax year 2027. The minimum rate of value addition tax shall be one per cent in the case of import of coal, subject to the conditions that such imported coal is exclusively and directly supplied to Independent Power Producers. Under the new budget, income tax exemptions would be available on any income derived by a private equity and venture capital fund registered under Private Funds Regulations, 2015. This will be applicable where not less than 90pc of the accounting income of that year, as reduced by accumulated losses and unrealised capital gains, is distributed by the private equity and venture capital fund to its unit or certificate holders or shareholders. This exemption will not be available if the private equity and venture capital fund is established to acquire a public listed company, whose status has not been changed to private limited company on the acquisition. In addition, the legislation says that for steel melters, re-rollers and composite units, tax will be collected on the basis of per unit electricity consumed, including use of electricity produced by a captive power plant or through any other alternative source of energy at the rate or rates as prescribed by FBR. The tax so collected shall be an adjustable input tax, to be claimed in the return of the month in which such payment is made. The per unit sales tax shall be determined by the FBR on the basis of minimum notified price and the industrial benchmarks of consumption of electricity against per ton production of steel products.
PPP expands parliamentary board for AJK polls, summons ticket aspirants on Saturday
MUZAFFARABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has directed all aspirants seeking party tickets for the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections to appear before its parliamentary board for interviews in Islamabad on Saturday. According to Syed Azzadar Hussain Shah, political adviser to AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, the meeting of the parliamentary board will be held at 2pm at Zardari House and all applicants have been instructed to ensure punctuality. The PPP had constituted a 10-member parliamentary board on May 14 to scrutinise applications and recommend candidates for party tickets. The initially constituted board comprised PPP’s AJK affairs in-charge Faryal Talpur, AJK chapter president Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, party secretary general and AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar, Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed, former AJK president Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, former prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, former ministers Sardar Qamaruz Zaman and Chaudhry Pervaiz Ashraf, and party leader Chaudhry Riaz, who assists Ms Talpur in AJK affairs. However, late on Wednesday night, the party expanded the board by inducting seven senior PPP leaders from across the country, raising its strength to 17 members. The new members included central secretary general Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Muhammad Humayun Khan, former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, Makhdoom Syed Ahmed Mahmood, Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Sardar Muhammad Umar Gorjani and Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha. Mr Shah said PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had diversified the parliamentary board to ensure that the selection of candidates reflected the collective wisdom of the party’s senior leadership. “The chairman is personally monitoring preparations for the elections and wants the ticket-awarding process to be transparent, consultative and merit-based. Every applicant will be given a fair hearing before the board takes its decisions,” he said. He expressed confidence that the PPP would perform strongly in the elections. “The enthusiasm among party workers and the public response we are receiving indicate that the PPP is well placed to make significant gains in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the pattern of Gilgit-Baltistan. We are hopeful of securing a decisive mandate,” he said. Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2026
Aseefa Bhutto vows closer cooperation with UN on SDGs
ISLAMABAD: First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday met United Nations Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya and representatives of different UN agencies in Pakistan at Aiwan-i-Sadr and vowed to work together with the world body on development and climate change. According to the Presidency, the meeting focused on Pakistan’s cooperation with the United Nations system, national development priorities, climate resilience, education, social protection, health and sustainable development. Welcoming the UN resident coordinator, the first lady said Pakistan highly valued its close and multifaceted cooperation with the United Nations and attached great importance to the work of the UN country team in Pakistan. She appreciated the contributions of UN agencies, funds and programmes working across the country and expressed the desire to further strengthen cooperation, particularly in the areas of public health, children, sustainable development goals and climate change. UN says next 12 months crucial for polio eradication as first lady calls for AI use to improve outreach The first lady reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with the UN country team in advancing national development priorities and plans. During the briefing, she was briefed on the work of various UN agencies in supporting Pakistan’s development, humanitarian and social sector priorities. Mohamed Yahya thanked her for championing the cause of polio eradication and noted that the next 12 months would be crucial for achieving this objective. The first lady underscored the importance of innovation in public health and said emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, should be utilised to help ensure that polio vaccines reached every household. She also acknowledged the UN’s continued assistance in strengthening maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition services across Pakistan. In this regard, she noted the importance of the Benazir Nashonuma Programme in improving outcomes for women and children nationwide. Ms Bhutto-Zardari was informed that approximately 41 per cent of children in Pakistan suffered from stunting, one of the highest rates globally, and that malnutrition adversely affected children’s health, learning outcomes and future opportunities. The briefing also highlighted challenges related to maternal health, anaemia, adolescent pregnancies and access to skilled healthcare services. She said child health and maternal care formed an important part of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s manifesto and stressed the need for collective efforts to improve healthcare and nutrition outcomes for women and children. The meeting also discussed women’s health, girls’ education, economic participation and protection from gender-based violence. The first lady hoped that the United Nations would continue supporting Pakistan during the transition phase as its humanitarian coordination presence in the country scaled down, particularly in strengthening the disaster response capacities of national institutions. Mohamed Yahya reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development priorities through continued cooperation with national institutions and stakeholders. The meeting was attended by Senator Saleem Mandviwala, MNA Shazia Marri and representatives of WFP, Unicef, WHO, UNFPA, UNHCR, IOM, Unesco and UN Women. Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2026
Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, BM ile Kalkınma ve İklim İşbirliğini ArtıracakKhawaja Asif comes under fire in NA for 'sweeping statement' regarding Kashmiris
The PPP on Wednesday took exception to a “sweeping statement” by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif regarding the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). In an interview on a TV show, the minister had said that Rawalakot — which has been in the grip of protests by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) — is “not Kashmir” and that he did not consider people from there Kashmiris. Asif had subsequently taken to X to clarify that “Kashmiriat is defined by the sacrifices and struggles waged over almost eight decades by Pakistanis, including Kashmiris and all others, not by birth certificates”. Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, PPP’s Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said that such a “sweeping statement” should not be given under any circumstances, especially from such a “senior” official. He said that Asif’s remarks had hurt the sentiments of several people, adding that Azad Kashmir was a “sensitive area” and care needed to be taken before making remarks about it. He said that “water needed to be poured onto the fire” to address the problems of the Kashmiris. He acknowledged that the government and establishment were trying their best to address the issues of the region. He said that giving such “irresponsible remarks” was detrimental to the Kashmir cause. He tendered an apology on Asif’s behalf to the people of Rawalakot. However, the defence minister pointed to his post on X regarding the matter, saying that he had “presented an argument that no one became a Kashmiri on the basis of a birth certificate”, leading PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to comment on the situation. In his remarks, Bilawal said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wanted to bring the country out of difficult situations by “positively engaging” with the coalition partners and the opposition, but some “ministers” were creating problems in the process. Bilawal said that Pakistan and the region stood at a moment when things were happening “geopolitically”. “I have voted for the prime minister twice. I acknowledge his work ethic, his efforts, his manners, his intention, the way he positively engages with the coalition partners and the opposition to bring the country out of difficulties,” he said. “However, some ministers create issues for him. They always create hurdles in the work of the prime minister rather than helping him,” Bilawal said. Bilawal acknowledged that the present government and all political parties had tried to resolve the issues in AJK politically. “The coalition parties, the opposition, and every Pakistani should ask why a minister is still part of the [federal] cabinet after saying, without backing off, that the Kashmiris of Rawalakot are not Kashmiris. “How is it possible to tolerate these words when they are uttered by a defence minister, let alone a senior minister?” Bilawal questioned. “How do we justify that the minister is still in the position and has not agreed to tender an apology?” he asked. “Apart from Kashmir’s endemic problems and political difficulties, is it not true that the minister’s statement was similar to igniting the fire already burning in Kashmir, instead of extinguishing it?” He argued that such statements had paved the way for the protestors to create the prevailing conditions in AJK. The former foreign minister accepted that the federal government and the PPP, since it has attained power in AJK, could be held responsible for the faults. However, he said that the time has come to extinguish the fire. “Today, if Maulana Fazlur Rehman has taken an initiative and agreed to take the responsibility of the government’s incapability in AJK, he should be given the space,” Bilawal stressed. “In the capacity of a coalition partner, I suggest that we all should give space to Maulana for the position he has been holding on the issue, to bring the conflict to a resolution by engaging with the federal and AJK government,” he said. “We should also engage the people who are protesting … and should bring the issue to a kind of political resolution so that the Kashmiris do not have to protest time and again.” The PPP chairman said that the prime minister should have the mandate and authority to control his team. “If the prime minister can’t direct his minister to follow his policy, and every minister is speaking in a different direction, it will create more difficulties for the government instead of helping the situation,” he said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah also addressed the House, drawing attention to the recent unrest in AJK. He said that the JAAC’s recent protests were an attempt to stop the upcoming elections in July and held that only the AJK Legislative Assembly had the right to decide the status of the 12 refugee seats, as the issue cannot be decided through violent demonstrations. He recalled that an all-parties conference as well as the AJK Supreme Court had endorsed the position, stressing that the matter should be debated by the next AJK Legislative Assembly. Sanaullah said that at the moment, there were no demonstrations in AJK except in Rawalakot. He added that at present, the JAAC had eight demands, one of which included removing a clause from the oath in nomination papers which stated that “Kashmir will join Pakistan after the success of its freedom movement”. He continued: “Besides this, the way they behaved with us during our meetings, I cannot explain. Their speeches on social media and the things they are saying. Is that not a crime and against the Kashmir freedom movement?” The PML-N leader urged that JAAC should withdraw their demands and cancel protest plans and then “whoever they wish to speak with — whether Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif or AJK Prime Minister Faisal Rathore — they can”. Asif tells opposition to mend its ways Separately, the defence minister told the opposition to examine its own past before criticising the government and to sign a Charter of Democracy with the government. His remarks come a day after the opposition’s bitter criticism of the government during a tumultuous day in the National Assembly. The opposition leader, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, launched into a harsh diatribe, criticising the government, the judiciary and the establishment. Speaking on the floor of the NA, Asif said, “Whenever I issue instructions or make any demand, I refer to this maxim: If you seek equity, you should come up with clean hands. “When these people demand equity, they also check whether their hands are clean,” the defence minister said, pointing towards the opposition benches. “What did not happen in this House during their time in power?” he asked. “You (the speaker) are a witness, I am a witness … even the walls of this House know what happened. What did they not do to us when they were in government?” the PML-N leader asked. Addressing the House, Asif told the opposition to correct its past and sign a Charter of Democracy with the government. “We have also made mistakes … sign the Charter of Democracy … But us and them should not forget what we have done in the past.” Referring to the political turmoil of the 1990s, the defence minister said that there was a lot of blame between the PPP and the PML-N — now coalition partners in the federal government. “There was a lot of blame between us, but later, both parties … realised that we should take a break from these issues and sort things out among ourselves,” he said. He said that both Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif decided that a proper code of conduct should be developed that maintains respect and dignity between the opposition and the ruling parties. Criticising the former PTI government, Asif said, “Sitting in your chair (the speaker), 55 pieces of legislation were passed in just half an hour, after which they dissolved the assembly. “It is a cardinal sin that, sitting in your chair, the former speaker takes such a step in favour of one party and dissolves the assembly,” Asif said, again urging the opposition to look at their past. “Our past may not have been something to be proud of, but we (PPP and PML-N) tried to learn from it. We signed a document, learned from our past, and implemented reforms based on it, as a result of which even constitutional amendments came forward,” Asif said. The defence minister said that in his opinion, there was still a need for constitutional amendments, because they “have not been implemented or worked as effectively as they should have”. He said that yesterday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif walked over to the opposition and talked to them. “This was not even conceivable when Imran Khan was the premier,” he said. The defence minister said that when Imran was the prime minister, the PTI members didn’t even talk to the opposition lest he be “offended”. He mentioned that, in the past, there was civility among the political parties and in political culture. However, the damage that the PTI founder had “inflicted on our parliamentary system and political culture over the past years” was “unmatched”, Asif said. “No one else has caused such harm to our politics and democratic institutions,” the minister said. Calling Achakzai his “brother”, Asif quipped that he seemed “out of place” sitting with the opposition. “No political party can function on the whims of one man. There is no democracy in their party … how can they delete their past?” he asked. During the session, the NA also approved a supplementary budget of Rs593.64 billion for FY2024-2026 and of Rs482bn for the outgoing fiscal year. Additional input from Kalbe Ali
Pakistan will continue its efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East, Naqvi tells Iranian counterpart
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni and stated that Pakistan would continue its efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East. The interior ministry said the two ministers met in Islamabad, and held a detailed discussion on Pak-Iran ties and the latest situation in the region. Momeni was part of a delegation led by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, which visited Pakistan on Tuesday after the US and Iran signed a ‘Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’ (MoU) to end the Middle East conflict and held high-level talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland. According to the ministry, the Iranian minister thanked Naqvi for the warm welcome accorded to Pezeshkian and the Iranian delegation. Both ministers expressed satisfaction at the de-escalation in the region. Meanwhile, Naqvi congratulated the Iranian minister on the joint statement issued after the US-Iran talks in Switzerland. “This agreement would not have been possible without your and the Iranian government’s sincere efforts,” Naqvi was quoted as saying in the statement. “Pakistan has always desired peace and stability across the world. Pakistan will continue its efforts for lasting peace in the Middle East,” he said, hoping that the agreement would bring positive results in the region. According to the ministry, the two sides agreed to extend cooperation in multiple sectors, including security, anti-terrorism, cybersecurity and immigration. “I will conduct a detailed visit to Pakistan soon to extend cooperation between the interior ministries of the two countries,” Momeni said. He appreciated the sincere role played by Pakistan in the dialogue between the US and Iran and the cooperation extended by the nation in this regard. Speaking alongside the Iranian president on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan and Iran will act as “an iron wall” against any forces seeking to undermine regional peace, saying there was “no dearth of spoilers” around the globe who are unhappy with the US-Iran talks and the breakthrough achieved through the Islamabad MoU. PM Shehbaz stressed that both countries were fully determined to resist such attempts poised to undermine the peace efforts. The Iranian president, while talking about extending “hands of friendship for a new regional security structure” called for a “united front” of Muslim nations. During his “thanksgiving” visit to Pakistan, the Iranian president also held separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, PM Shehbaz and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Çelişkili ilişki
ABD ve İran arasında imzalanan mutabakat sonrası teknik görüşmelerin devam etmesi beklenirken, iki taraftan yapılan açıklamalar genellikle çelişiyor. ABD Başkanı Donald Trump, İran tarafının, nükleer programına yapılacak üst düzey denetlemelere “tam ve eksiksiz razı olduğunu”, aksi takdirde müzakerelerin sürmeyeceğini belirtti. Trump, İran tarafının buna razı olmadığı bir senaryoda müzakerelerin bitmiş olacağını belirterek, “İran’ın verdiği bu ve diğer önemli tavizlere dayanarak Hürmüz Boğazı’nın açık kalmasına ve deniz ablukasının artık uygulanmamasına izin vermeyi kabul ettim. Bu şu anda çok düşük bir ihtimal gibi görünüyor ancak olur da ablukanın yeniden uygulanması gerekirse diye tüm gemiler yerinde kalacak” ifadelerini kullandı. İlginizi Çekebilir Hürmüz’de hızlı geçiş Öte yandan ABD Hazine Bakanlığı’nın serbest bırakacağı İran varlıkları ve kaldıracağı yaptırımlar sonucu açığa çıkacak kaynakların, yine Amerika’nın kontrol ettiği bir hesaba aktarılacağını belirten Trump, bunların Amerikalı üreticilerden gıda ve tıbbi malzeme satın almak için kullanılacağını kaydetti. Trump, önceki gün “Eğer İran anlaşmanın gereklerini yerine getirmez ya da uygun davranmazsa, yapmam gerekeni yaparım” derken, “İki önemli sonuç elde ettik. Birincisi Boğaz açık ve açık kalacak. İkincisi ise İran hiçbir zaman nükleer silaha sahip olmayacak” değerlendirmesinde bulunmuştu. Trump, başka bir paylaşımında da Hürmüz Boğazı’ndan 19 milyon varil petrol taşınmasıyla “rekor kırıldığını” aktararak, “Petrol fiyatları düşüyor ve dünya daha güvenli bir yer” görüşünü paylaştı. ‘Füzeler konuşulmayacak’ Bu açıklamalar İran tarafında ise karşılık bulmadı. İran Dışişleri Bakanlığı Sözcüsü İsmail Bekayi, İran’ın dondurulmuş varlıklarının serbest bırakılmasının ardından belirli ürünlerin satın alımında kullanılacağı iddialarına ilişkin, “Dondurulmuş varlıklarla ilgili bir sınırlama söz konusu değil” dedi. Bekayi “Ülkenin faydasına nasıl olursa o yönde kullanılacak” ifadelerini kullandı. Nükleer meseleler ve yaptırımların kaldırılması konusunda müzakerelere başlanması için mutabakat zaptındaki yükümlülüklerin yerine getirilmesi gerektiğinin altını çizen Bekayi, “İran’ın savunma kapasitesi ve füze programı hiçbir şekilde görüşmelerde konuşulmadı ve hiçbir zaman müzakere konusu olmayacak” dedi. İran basını da, ABD ile teknik görüşmelerde ülkenin balistik füzelerinin de konuşulacağı yönündeki iddiaların gerçeği yansıtmadığını bildirdi. ‘İki aya imzalanabilir’ Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif ise, ABD ile İran arasındaki teknik görüşmelerde İran’ın nükleer programı, balistik füze kapasitesi, yaptırımların kaldırılması ve dondurulmuş varlıkların serbest bırakılması gibi konuların ele alınacağını söyledi. Şerif, “Eğer süregelen müzakereler başarıyla sonuçlanırsa, 60 gün içinde mutabakat zaptı kalıcı ve uzun vadeli bir anlaşmaya dönüşebilir” diye konuştu. İran ile ABD arasında İsviçre’de gerçekleştirilen müzakerelerin ilk turunda, mutabakat zaptının uygulanmasına ilişkin teknik detaylar ele alınmıştı. Taraflar nihai bir anlaşmaya 60 gün içinde ulaşılmasını hedefleyen bir yol haritası üzerinde uzlaştı. Pilot senkronize İHA filosu görmüş! İran üzerinde vurulduktan sonra düşen ve büyük bir kurtarma operasyonuyla İran dışına çıkartılan Amerikan savaş pilotunun olayla ilgili ifadeleri büyük dikkat çekti. CNN’in özel haberine göre, istihbarat yetkililerine bilgi veren pilot, uçaktan atlamadan önce, çok sayıda İran İHA’sının havada bir denizanası formasyonunda uçtuğunu gördüğünü belirtti. Pilotun bu açıklaması dikkat çekerken, İran’ın İHA programıyla ilgili kabiliyetleri konusunda soru işaretleri de oluşturdu. Uzmanlar, pilot gerçekten senkronize hareket eden bir filoyu gördüyse, bu İran’ın insansız hava aracı yeteneklerinde endişe verici bir ilerlemeye işaret ettiğini belirtiyor. Pezeşkiyan Pakistan’a gitti Washington ile Tahran arasında Katar ile birlikte arabuluculuk yapan Pakistan, savaşın başlamasından bu yana ilk yurt dışı seyahatini yapan İran Cumhurbaşkanı Mesut Pezeşkiyan’ı ağırladı. Ziyarette enerji, ticaret ve bölgesel güvenlik başlıklarının ele alındığı belirtilirken, Pakistan’ın başkenti İslamabad’ta adeta Pezeşkiyan seferberliği yaşanması dikkat çekti. Pezeşkiyan’ın uçağına Pakistan hava kuvvetlerine ait jetlerin eşlik ettiği belirtilirken, caddelere, İran Cumhurbaşkanı Pezeşkiyan, Pakistan Cumhurbaşkanı Asıf Ali Zardari ve Başbakan Şehbaz Şerif’in yer aldığı afişler göze çarptı.
Trump: 'Ben Olmasam İsrail Yok Olurdu', Gücüm SınırsızAllegations of corruption, ethnic politics dominate post-budget debate in Sindh Assembly
KARACHI: Treasury and opposition lawmakers in the Sindh Assembly traded sharp criticism, albeit in cautious words, on Tuesday during the post-budget debate, with the discussion ranging from Karachi’s share in development spending to allegations of corruption, ethnic politics and administrative failure. As many as 15 more lawmakers from the two sides of the aisle, including six ministers, spoke on the provincial budget taking the total number of speakers to 127 in the last four consecutive days of the post-budget debate. The atmosphere in the house, however, remained largely calm compared with previous sittings, with Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah urging members of both sides for a “revision of the curriculum of hate”. He said that just as Sindhi-speaking Sindhis were an integral part of Sindh, Urdu-speaking Sindhis were also an integral part of the province. “They belong here and cannot go anywhere else,” he added. Why are World Bank funds being spent on Karachi, where is city’s tax money, asks MQM lawmaker The education minister said that attempts were made to fan the politics of hate and added that talk of dividing Sindh was not new. “These conversations were taking place even before the formation of the MQM,” he added. CM Murad said that this point was made by Mahmood-ul-Haq Usmani in 1951 and later Nawab Muzaffar also said it. “If this narrative continues, how will those who consider Sindh their mother accept it?” he added. “Karachi was, and is, an inseparable part of Sindh,” he said, adding that “Karachi collects tax; it does not generate tax”. He said that the number of out-of-school children had declined and a Student Attendance Monitoring System was being launched with the World Bank’s support. “The department is working with Nadra to obtain B-Form data of all children,” he added. Muttahida Qaumi Movement-P member Abdul Waseem came down heavily on the PPP saying that the party had been in power for 18 years and questioned where past funds had gone. “World Bank money is being spent on Karachi projects,” he said asking that where the money generated through taxes in the city was going. Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho said several reforms introduced this year would show full results in two years. She said that vascular surgery had begun at the Karachi Trauma Centre and 50-bed hospitals had been expanded in Ancholi, Gulberg and Gulshan-i-Hadeed. “Efforts are under way to set up a maternity home at the Children’s Hospital in Korangi No 5,” she added. The health minister said that the SIUT was providing excellent services in Karachi and Sukkur, adding that chest pain units were being established in all districts. Agriculture Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Mahar said that agriculture needed to be developed on scientific lines, noting record wheat production of 4.9 million metric tons due to subsidies on fertiliser and seed. Jamaat-i-Islami’s Muhammad Farooq said that the FBR and other agencies collected Rs7,000 billion in taxes in 2025-26, with Karachi contributing 85 to 90 per cent. “Karachi wants its rights. Neither the province nor the federation treats Karachi as a priority,” he said. He said that of the Rs720 billion ADP, only Rs100 billion had been allocated to Karachi, whereas its share by population should be Rs400 billion. The JI member said that K-IV required Rs40 billion and warned that the old water lines could not carry K-IV water. He said that the S-III project was worth Rs32 billion but only Rs1 billion had been allocated. He added that the only solution to civic problems was an empowered city government. “Local bodies should be given powers under Article 140-A,” he said. Farooq also demanded an immediate end to the quota system, saying it had kept Karachi’s youth out of jobs. Prisons Minister Ali Hassan Zardari said that 80km of roads in Tando Muhammad Khan, 120km in Thatta and 26km from Naushahro Feroze to Padidan had been completed, along with the Talhar-Tando Bago road. He said that five major schemes were included in the next budget and Rs32 billion would be spent on ongoing projects. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s Rehan Rajput acknowledged good work in health but said spending on institutions was high. Livestock Minister Muhammad Ali Malkani said that Sujawal was among the province’s most underdeveloped areas and needed accelerated development. He said Sindh’s livestock population had crossed 60 million and 23.3 million small animals had been vaccinated. Adviser on Rehabilitation Giyan Chand Essrani said that Rescue 1122 received 24,000 complaints daily and had facilitated 225,000 people in a year. MQM-P member from Hyderabad, Rashid Khan, said that problems in several areas had persisted for years and the promises on development funds in the last budget were not fulfilled. He cited staff shortages at Hyderabad Civil Hospital and claimed funds for some schemes were not released, calling for reforms in the bureaucracy and administrative structure. Najam Mirza of the MQM-P said that the Provincial Finance Commission Award had not been announced. MQM-P’s Rehan Akram said that water lines in North Karachi were being laid without planning. He also said that not a single camera had been installed under the Safe City project since 2016. Mahesh Kumar Hasija of the MQM-P alleged “petty corruption” in the minorities department and called for a larger raise for low-grade employees. Later, Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah adjourned the house to June 27. Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2026
Sindh Meclisi'nde bütçe maratonu: Muhalefet protestosu altında başladı'Hands of friendship': Iran president calls for new regional security structure among Muslim nations
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday called for a “united front” of Muslim nations, extending “hands of friendship” for a new regional security structure. The Iranian president made the remarks during a one-day official visit to Pakistan, undertaken at PM Shehbaz’s invitation. The two leaders held a meeting at the Prime Minister House, which was followed by delegation-level talks. Addressing a joint press conference later with the prime minister, Pezeshkian said he held “constructive meetings and discussions” with PM Shehbaz, President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. “In these discussions, we had many good points talks and discussed regarding the latest developments in the region and in the world and also regarding bilateral relations,” he elaborated. Pezeshkian observed that the two neighbours were “adamant to use the positive existing atmosphere to usher in a new era and open a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries and draw new horizons and new opportunities of cooperation based on shared interests”. He said Iran believed that “peace, stability, sustainable security, development and the welfare of nations in the strategic region of West Asia and the Persian Gulf can only be ensured through straightforward and honest discussions, intra-regional cooperation, interactions and cooperation based on mutual respect for the countries in the region”. “Based on this fact, we stretch our hands of friendship to establish a common understanding and build a new security structure for the countries in the region,” Pezeshkian added. He noted that PM Shehbaz’s mention of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt in his remarks alongside him was a “very well-placed mentioning of the roles that these authorities and these leaders actually played in the discussions that led to the peace”. “I believe Muslims shall form a united front against their enemies,” the Iranian president said. He went on to say that the “tremendous potentials” of Islamabad and Tehran, along with the political will of the leaders and support of their nations, can “elevate the relations between Iran and Pakistan to a level that is befitting the two countries’ position in the Islamic world and can produce a successful model of cooperation in solidarity and brotherhood”. Pezeshkian declared that the two countries “share a strong resolve to promote and enhance interactions and relations, especially in the area of economy and trade”. He observed that both countries’ ministers, within the framework of the MoUs and the agreements that have been made during last year’s visit, have “tried to remove any technical existing hurdles and operationalise the decisions that have been made”. President Pezeshkian began his address by reciting verses by renowned poet Allama Iqbal, which he said continued to inspire unity among Muslim nations. He said the two nations “do not merely live next to each other, but they share a common destiny in the majority of their aspirations, concerns and hopes”. “Pakistan for us is not merely a neighbouring country; it’s a brotherly and friendly country and has been an amicable companion and has had deep historical, cultural, religious and popular bonds between the two nations and these bonds have brought our nations closer,” he highlighted. Noting that the relations between Islamabad and Tehran have always been consolidated on the basis of mutual respect, goodwill and historical trust, Pezeshkian said the “recent developments have once again showcased the consolidation of this valuable asset”. The president stated: “In a critical historical juncture that the region is facing a multitude of challenges, the responsible and visionary role played by Pakistan in supporting the discussions and negotiations in de-escalating and strengthening the regional stability is a manifestation of a brotherly and futuristic attitude and viewpoint by this country towards the developments in the region.” He observed that Iran’s acceptance of Pakistan’s initiative was a “reflection of the ancient and age-old trust that the Iranian nation has towards the nation, the government and the authorities of Pakistan”. The visiting dignitary concluded his speech by thanking the Pakistani side for its hospitality and for accepting the invitation to the commemoration of the late Khamenei. ‘Iran’s success is our success. Iran’s loss is our loss’ In his remarks at the joint press briefing, PM Shehbaz said he and President Pezeshkian held “very productive discussions in a very cordial atmosphere”. “It was like a family reunion, and brothers were talking to each other with the fullest clarity and total commitment that we will do everything to strengthen our brotherly relations like never before,” he remarked. He noted that Islamabad and Tehran have “consistently stood by one another in difficult times, and recent events have once again demonstrated beyond any ray of doubt the enduring strength of this brotherhood, this friendship and this partnership”. The premier began his speech by reciting an Iranian couplet on the themes of friendship during challenging times. PM Shehbaz described Pezeshkian as a “visionary and sagacious leader of a great country, Iran”. “But you’re a man of many talents and qualities — you are calm, you are wise and you are patient,” he added. Recalling the Iranian president’s past treatment of patients in hospitals, PM Shehbaz congratulated him on “this very well-deserved conferment”. He termed today a “historic moment between Pakistan and Iran”. Recalling the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed last week between the United States and Iran, the premier said it was “a matter of great happiness that this war has come to an end, which could have engulfed the entire region and beyond”. The prime minister hailed the “sagacious” leadership of Pezeshkian and his colleagues, and highlighted Pakistan’s role as an “honest and sincere mediator” in the US-Iran peace process. At the outset of his address, PM Shehbaz referred to the US-Iran technical talks held in Switzerland and said, “My dear brother, we pray to Allah Almighty that God-willing, this arrangement will usher in a new era of peace, stability and prosperity for this entire region.” The prime minister also appreciated the “wisdom and sagacity” of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei for guiding the Iranian nation through “these very difficult and challenging times”. “Throughout this crisis, the entire Iranian nation, our Iranian brothers and sisters, have demonstrated their unity with honour and dignity,” he observed, praising their courage as “awe-inspiring”. He went on to extend Pakistan’s deepest condolences on the “loss of thousands of precious lives, including the late Khamenei, who was a great visionary leader and respected by all and sundry around the Muslim world”. The premier affirmed that the people of Pakistan share the grief of Iranians and stand in “complete solidarity with the people of Iran”. “Your happiness is our happiness. Your sorrow is our sorrow,” PM Shehbaz remarked. “Iran’s success is our success. Iran’s loss is our loss,” he added, inserting another Persian phrase in his speech. “This sentiment reflects deeply the feeling of the people of Pakistan.” He highlighted that the two were “far more than just neighbours” and bound together by shared history, faith and culture. The premier extended his country’s gratitude to the Iranian leadership for reposing their “abiding trust in Pakistan to initiate and mediate this peace process”. “We have done this act of mediation with fullest honesty of purpose and complete sincerity,” he declared. He commended both the Iranian and US delegations for their “serious and constructive participation” in the Lake Lucerne Summit held in Switzerland. Mentioning the “support and encouragement of many brotherly and friendly countries”, PM Shehbaz thanked the Qatari emir’s “pivotal role” and the “steadfast support and encouragement” of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. The prime minister hailed the “untiring efforts [and] unwavering commitment” of CDF Munir. “Even during the dark days, he never wavered and, as a result, was instrumental in helping build the consensus that made this historic breakthrough possible by the grace of god,” he emphasised. The premier went on to praise the “dedicated efforts” of Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his team at the Foreign Office (FO), as well as the “valuable contributions” of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. PM Shehbaz also announced he would be undertaking a visit to Tehran next week to pay respects to late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and to “reaffirm and reassure Pakistan’s solidarity with our brotherly people of Iran”. “Zindabad dosti Pakistan o Iran,” he concluded. ‘We will never let you down’ Addressing a delegation-level meeting between the two sides earlier, PM Shehbaz said it was a “great pleasure once again” to welcome Pezeshkian to Pakistan, as it was his second visit to Islamabad in his capacity as the president of Iran. He said Pezeshkian’s acceptance of his invitation after the Islamabad MoU was a “matter of great happiness and satisfaction for all of us”. The premier requested Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iran’s supreme leader for his “sagacious leadership that Iran has been able to achieve this MoU and as a result, a ceasefire with dignity and honour”. He also offered his deepest condolences “on the killings of innocent Iranian brothers and sisters, children, which run into thousands of people”. PM Shehbaz said: “Yet, under your sagacious and very calm, visionary leadership, today, thanks to God, we are sitting here to peep into a very bright future, and I am very grateful to you and the Iranian leadership for having abiding trust in Pakistan’s ability to mediate with honesty and sincerity. “I want to assure you that as brothers, we will never let you down,” he affirmed. “As they say, true brotherhood doesn’t have any questions to answer. And here we are,” the prime minister said. He further assured the Iranian leader that Pakistan will “carry on this important role until we have everlasting peace in place, on terms and conditions which are dictated by dignity and honour”. He also hailed the courage of Iranians. Highlighting CDF Munir’s “outstanding contribution”, he remarked: “He has toiled and worked untiringly through the nights, through those dark days with one mission: come what may, we will do everything humanly possible to stop this war, which can burn vast swathes of land and devastate everything.” The premier also appreciated the efforts of Dar and Naqvi for their “fine shuttle diplomacy”. “In that, brother Abbas Araghchi has played a pivotal role,” he added. Earlier, the Iranian president was welcomed at the Prime Minister’s House with a guard of honour, and the two held a meeting before delegation-level talks. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was at the direct talks held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland over the weekend, also accompanied Pezeshkian during the visit. At PM House, the Iranian president engaged in a bilateral meeting with PM Shehbaz, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). CDF Munir and Deputy PM were also present on the occasion. This was followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides, which PM Shehbaz addressed. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq were also expected to call on the Iranian president, according to the Foreign Office (FO). Iran’s state media IRNA reported that FM Araghchi held talks with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz “only hours” before Pezeshkian landed in Pakistan. ‘Principled support for Iran’s peace’ Prior to Pezeshkian’s arrival at the PM House, he met with President Asif Ali Zardari, who reaffirmed Pakistan’s “principled support for Iran’s peace. In their meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr, President Zardari welcomed his Iranian counterpart on his first state visit to Pakistan since the US-Iran war, the presidency said. “The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, mainly regional peace and security, bilateral and regional connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues of mutual interest,” the statement said. President Zardari noted that the visit reflected the “longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and a desire to stay together in good and bad times”. He stressed that Pakistan has “consistently opposed one-sided initiatives and has supported dialogue and diplomacy as the means to achieve a durable and sustainable solution to regional and global challenges”. He also underscored Pakistan’s “commitment to preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah while maintaining strong fraternal relations with the countries of the Gulf region”, the presidency said. President Zardari congratulated Pezeshkian on the signing of the Islamabad MoU between the US and Iran and “expressed the hope that the ongoing technical-level negotiations would culminate in permanent peace in the region”. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s “principled support for Iran’s peace, stability, national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity”. The president again expressed his condolences on the “martyrdom of His Eminence Ali Hosseini Khamenei”, who was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes on Iran, and said that Pakistan would participate in his funeral. Meanwhile, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its “positive and constructive efforts in support of peace and dialogue and appreciated the support extended by Pakistan during [the] recent challenging circumstances”, the presidency said. The Iranian president said his country “attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and looks forward to further expanding cooperation in political, economic, security and regional matters” President Zardari requested President Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iran’s supreme leader. The Iranian president was accompanied by FM Araghchi, Chief of the President’s Office Mohsen Haji Mirzaei, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Chief of Political Affairs of President’s Office Saeed Abbas Mousavi and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam. From the Pakistani side, Deputy PM Dar, PPP Chairman and former FM Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Senate Chief Whip Saleem Mandviwala and ex-senator Dr Asim Hussain were present during the meeting. CDF Munir, Pezeshkian discuss ‘peace initiatives’ Earlier in the day, CDF Munir called on the Iranian president and the two exchanged views on “regional developments and peace initiatives”, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. CDF Munir, along with PM Shehbaz, had participated in the US-Iran talks in Switzerland. Both leaders have been involved in efforts to secure peace in the Middle East after the US-Iran war erupted on February 28 as US-Israeli strikes hit Tehran. During his meeting with the army chief, Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability”, ISPR said. It added that he acknowledged Pakistan’s “consistent efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges”. On his part, CDF Munir reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region, the statement noted. “Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region,” it read. Iran president, FM arrive Pezeshkian and Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on separate flights earlier in the day. The Iranian president flew to the federal capital from Iran, while the foreign minister’s last engagement was in Oman. President Pezeshkian, upon his arrival at the Nur Khan airbase, was received by President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Deputy PM Dar, Naqvi, Bilawal and Ambassador Moghaddam. FM Araghchi, who had already landed in Pakistan, was also present to welcome his president. Pezeshkian was accorded a 21-gun salute, while fighter jets conducted a flypast in his honour, state-run APP reported. The president waved in response to the children’s welcoming slogans, it added. Upon his arrival at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan airbase earlier in the day, Araghchi was welcomed by Dar, Naqvi and Bilawal. “The leadership and people of Pakistan extend a warm welcome to Foreign Minister Araghchi and the Iranian delegation to Islamabad,” the FO said. In an earlier statement, the FO noted Pezeshkian’s visit was his second to Pakistan in his capacity as the president of Iran. It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. It also termed the visit an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”. “The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,” the FO added. IHC, FCC cancel judicial work; govt tells Red Zone employees to work from home The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also cancelled judicial work for Tuesday, due to the closure of the Red Zone for the Iranian president’s visit. A notification issued by the IHC said that Tuesday’s cause list had been cancelled, adding that officials were directed to work from home. However, it added that district courts would function as per routine. Similarly, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) also announced the suspension of judicial work at its principal seat in Islamabad due to the closure of the Red Zone in Islamabad. “Consequently, the cause list of the Court stands cancelled. However, all officers and staff shall work from home and shall not leave the station. Besides, all four branch registries of the court shall remain open for judicial and administrative work,” the notification said. Separately, the federal government issued a notification implementing a one-day “work from home” directive for various ministries. According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, employees of ministries, divisions, and government offices located inside Islamabad’s Red Zone will work remotely. Furthermore, autonomous bodies and attached departments operating within the Red Zone will observe a full holiday. However, essential federal institutions and banks were exempted from this order. These included the Prime Minister’s Office, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, commerce, industries, law, parliamentary affairs, and planning division, alongside all federal banking institutions. Bus stands closed All bus terminals operating in the capital were closed on Monday night as a security measure in view of the arrival of the Iranian president. Officials of the capital administration and police said that the capital police, under directives from the capital administration, approached the managements of bus terminals in the capital, including those at Faizabad and Chongi No 26, and asked them to shut down their operations before midnight. The managers were further asked to suspend their operations on Tuesday. The terminals will remain closed until the departure of the Iranian president. Besides, the Islamabad Red Zone has also been sealed as a security measure. Entry will be allowed only to concerned officials. Further, Islamabad District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon ordered the immediate closure of all popular hiking routes in the city. The restriction applies to Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, and the hiking tracks located behind Saidpur Village, remaining effective from Tuesday until further notice. US-Iran talks in Switzerland Pezeshkian’s visit follows key direct talks — dubbed the “Lake Lucerne Summit” — held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, kicking off negotiations under the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18. Under the 14-point accord, Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate on key issues within 60 days of the signing. The US-Iran talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock were mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir representing Pakistan. The Lake Lucerne Summit created a mechanism for further technical talks, which will continue this week, and also set up communication lines to end the fighting in Lebanon and to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open. “Encouraging progress has been made,” the mediators said in their joint statement, including a contact channel set up to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” in the Strait of Hormuz. A “de-confliction cell” between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to prevent fighting from erupting again. Additional input from APP
Burgenstock'ta ABD-İran Barışı İçin 60 Günlük Yol HaritasıPM Shehbaz, Iran president hold 'productive' discussions in Islamabad as both sides hail brotherly relations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday addressed a joint press briefing in Islamabad. The Iranian president is on a one-day official visit to Pakistan at PM Shehbaz’s invitation. The press briefing is taking place after the two leaders held a meeting at the Prime Minister House, which was followed by delegation-level talks. PM Shehbaz said he and President Pezeshkian held “very productive discussions in a very cordial atmosphere”. “It was like a family reunion, and brothers were talking to each other with the fullest clarity and total commitment that we will do everything to strengthen our brotherly relations like never before,” he remarked. He noted that Islamabad and Tehran have “consistently stood by one another in difficult times, and recent events have once again demonstrated beyond any ray of doubt the enduring strength of this brotherhood, this friendship and this partnership”. The premier began his speech by reciting an Iranian couplet on the themes of friendship during challenging times. PM Shehbaz described Pezeshkian as a “visionary and sagacious leader of a great country, Iran”. “But you’re a man of many talents and qualities — you are calm, you are wise and you are patient,” he added. Recalling the Iranian president’s past treatment of patients in hospitals, PM Shehbaz congratulated him on “this very well-deserved conferment”. He termed today a “historic moment between Pakistan and Iran”. Recalling the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed last week between the United States and Iran, the premier said it was “a matter of great happiness that this war has come to an end, which could have engulfed the entire region and beyond”. The prime minister hailed the “sagacious” leadership of Pezeshkian and his colleagues, and highlighted Pakistan’s role as an “honest and sincere mediator” in the US-Iran peace process. PM Shehbaz also announced he would be undertaking a visit to Tehran next week to pay respects to late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and to “reaffirm and reassure Pakistan’s solidarity with our brotherly people of Iran”. “Zindabad dosti Pakistan o Iran,” he concluded. At the outset of his address, PM Shehbaz referred to the US-Iran technical talks held in Switzerland and said, “My dear brother, we pray to Allah Almighty that God-willing, this arrangement will usher in a new era of peace, stability and prosperity for this entire region.” The prime minister also appreciated the “wisdom and sagacity” of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei for guiding the Iranian nation through “these very difficult and challenging times”. “Throughout this crisis, the entire Iranian nation, our Iranian brothers and sisters, have demonstrated their unity with honour and dignity,” he observed, praising their courage as “awe-inspiring”. He went on to extend Pakistan’s deepest condolences on the “loss of thousands of precious lives, including the late Khamenei, who was a great visionary leader and respected by all and sundry around the Muslim world”. The premier affirmed that the people of Pakistan share the grief of Iranians and stand in “complete solidarity with the people of Iran”. “Your happiness is our happiness. Your sorrow is our sorrow,” PM Shehbaz remarked. “Iran’s success is our success. Iran’s loss is our loss,” he added, inserting another Persian phrase in his speech. “This sentiment reflects deeply the feeling of the people of Pakistan.” He highlighted that the two were “far more than just neighbours” and bound together by shared history, faith and culture. The premier extended his country’s gratitude to the Iranian leadership for reposing their “abiding trust in Pakistan to initiate and mediate this peace process”. “We have done this act of mediation with fullest honesty of purpose and complete sincerity,” he declared. He commended both the Iranian and US delegations for their “serious and constructive participation” in the Lake Lucerne Summit held in Switzerland. Mentioning the “support and encouragement of many brotherly and friendly countries”, PM Shehbaz thanked the Qatari emir’s “pivotal role” and the “steadfast support and encouragement” of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. The prime minister also hailed the “untiring efforts [and] unwavering commitment” of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. “Even during the dark days, he never wavered and, as a result, was instrumental in helping build the consensus that made this historic breakthrough possible by the grace of god,” he emphasised. The premier went on to praise the “dedicated efforts” of Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his team at the Foreign Office (FO), as well as the “valuable contributions” of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. ‘Age-old trust’ President Pezeshkian began his address by reciting verses by renowned poet Allama Iqbal, which he said continued to inspire unity among Muslim nations. He said the two nations “do not merely live next to each other, but they share a common destiny in the majority of their aspirations, concerns and hopes”. “Pakistan for us is not merely a neighbouring country; it’s a brotherly and friendly country and has been an amicable companion and has had deep historical, cultural, religious and popular bonds between the two nations and these bonds have brought our nations closer,” he highlighted. Noting that the relations between Islamabad and Tehran have always been consolidated on the basis of mutual respect, goodwill and historical trust, Pezeshkian said the “recent developments have once again showcased the consolidation of this valuable asset”. The president stated: “In a critical historical juncture that the region is facing a multitude of challenges, the responsible and visionary role played by Pakistan in supporting the discussions and negotiations in de-escalating and strengthening the regional stability is a manifestation of a brotherly and futuristic attitude and viewpoint by this country towards the developments in the region.” He observed that Iran’s acceptance of Pakistan’s initiative was a “reflection of the ancient and age-old trust that the Iranian nation has towards the nation, the government and the authorities of Pakistan”. Thanking the solidarity displayed by Pakistanis and the hospitality of the leadership here, Pezeshkian said he held “constructive meetings and discussions” with PM Shehbaz, President Zardari and CDF Munir. “In these discussions, we had many good points talks and discussed regarding the latest developments in the region and in the world and also regarding bilateral relations,” he elaborated. Pezeshkian observed that the two neighbours were “adamant to use the positive existing atmosphere to usher in a new era and open a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries and draw new horizons and new opportunities of cooperation based on shared interests”. “We deeply believe that peace, stability, sustainable security, development and the welfare of nations in the strategic region of West Asia and the Persian Gulf can only be ensured through straightforward and honest discussions, intra-regional cooperation, interactions and cooperation based on mutual respect for the countries in the region,” he stated. The president added, “Based on this fact, we stretch our hands of friendship to establish a common understanding and build a new security structure in the region for the countries in the region.” ‘We will never let you down’ Addressing a delegation-level meeting earlier, PM Shehbaz said it was a “great pleasure once again to welcome you to Pakistan”. He said Pezeshkian’s acceptance of his invitation after the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was a “matter of great happiness and satisfaction for all of us”. The premier requested Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iran’s supreme leader for his “sagacious leadership that Iran has been able to achieve this MoU and as a result, a ceasefire with dignity and honour”. He also offered his deepest condolences “on the killings of innocent Iranian brothers and sisters, children, which run into thousands of people”. PM Shehbaz said: “Yet, under your sagacious and very calm, visionary leadership, today, thanks to God, we are sitting here to peep into a very bright future, and I am very grateful to you and the Iranian leadership for having abiding trust in Pakistan’s ability to mediate with honesty and sincerity. “I want to assure you that as brothers, we will never let you down,” he affirmed. “As they say, true brotherhood doesn’t have any questions to answer. And here we are,” the prime minister said. He further assured the Iranian leader that Pakistan will “carry on this important role until we have everlasting peace in place, on terms and conditions which are dictated by dignity and honour”. He also hailed the courage of Iranians. Highlighted the role and “outstanding contribution” of CDF Munir, he remarked: “He has toiled and worked untiringly through the nights, through those dark days with one mission: come what may, we will do everything humanly possible to stop this war, which can burn vast swathes of land and devastate everything.” The premier also appreciated the efforts of Dar and Naqvi for their “fine shuttle diplomacy”. “In that, brother Abbas Araghchi has played a pivotal role,” he said. Earlier, the Iranian president was welcomed at the Prime Minister’s House with a guard of honour, and the two held a meeting before delegation-level talks. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was at the direct talks held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland over the weekend, is also accompanying Pezeshkian during the visit. At PM House, the Iranian president engaged in a bilateral meeting with PM Shehbaz, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). A statement from the PMO said that Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were in attendance. It added that delegation-level talks would take place later. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq were also expected to call on the Iranian president, according to the Foreign Office (FO). Iran’s state media IRNA reported that FM Araghchi held talks with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz “only hours” before Pezeshkian landed in Pakistan. ‘Principled support for Iran’s peace’ President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s “principled support for Iran’s peace” as President Pezeshkian paid a visit to Islamabad. In their meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr, President Zardari welcomed his Iranian counterpart on his first state visit to Pakistan since the US-Iran war, the presidency said. “The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, mainly regional peace and security, bilateral and regional connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues of mutual interest,” the statement said. President Zardari noted that the visit reflected the “longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and a desire to stay together in good and bad times”. He stressed that Pakistan has “consistently opposed one-sided initiatives and has supported dialogue and diplomacy as the means to achieve a durable and sustainable solution to regional and global challenges”. He also underscored Pakistan’s “commitment to preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah while maintaining strong fraternal relations with the countries of the Gulf region”, the presidency said. President Zardari congratulated Pezeshkian on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran and “expressed the hope that the ongoing technical-level negotiations would culminate in permanent peace in the region”. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s “principled support for Iran’s peace, stability, national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity”. The president again expressed his condolences on the “martyrdom of His Eminence Ali Hosseini Khamenei”, who was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes on Iran, and said that Pakistan would participate in his funeral. Meanwhile, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its “positive and constructive efforts in support of peace and dialogue and appreciated the support extended by Pakistan during [the] recent challenging circumstances”, the presidency said. The Iranian president said his country “attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and looks forward to further expanding cooperation in political, economic, security and regional matters” President Zardari requested President Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The Iranian president was accompanied by FM Araghchi, Chief of the President’s Office Mohsen Haji Mirzaei, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Chief of Political Affairs of President’s Office Saeed Abbas Mousavi and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam. From the Pakistani side, Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman and former FM Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Senate Chief Whip Saleem Mandviwala and ex-senator Dr Asim Hussain were present during the meeting. CDF Munir, Pezeshkian discuss ‘peace initiatives’ CDF Munir called on the Iranian president, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. They exchanged views on “regional developments and peace initiatives”, the ISPR said in a statement. CDF Munir, along with PM Shehbaz, had participated in the US-Iran talks in Switzerland, where they discussed a framework for regional peace. Both leaders have been involved in efforts to secure peace in the Middle East after the US-Iran war erupted on February 28 as US-Israeli strikes hit Tehran. During his meeting with the army chief, Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability”, the ISPR said. It added that he acknowledged Pakistan’s “consistent efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges”. On his part, CDF Munir reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region, the statement noted. “Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region,” it read. Iran president, FM arrive Pezeshkian and Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on separate flights earlier in the day. The Iranian president flew to the federal capital from Iran, while the foreign minister’s last engagement was in Oman. President Pezeshkian, upon his arrival at the Nur Khan airbase, was received by President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Deputy PM Dar, Naqvi, Bilawal and Ambassador Moghaddam. FM Araghchi, who had already landed in Pakistan, was also present to welcome his president. Pezeshkian was accorded a 21-gun salute, while fighter jets conducted a flypast in his honour, state-run APP reported. The president waved in response to the children’s welcoming slogans, it added. Upon his arrival at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan airbase earlier in the day, Araghchi was welcomed by Dar, Naqvi and Bilawal. “The leadership and people of Pakistan extend a warm welcome to Foreign Minister Araghchi and the Iranian delegation to Islamabad,” the FO said. In an earlier statement, the FO noted Pezeshkian’s visit was his second to Pakistan in his capacity as the president of Iran. It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. It also termed the visit an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”. “The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,” the FO added. IHC, FCC cancel judicial work; govt tells Red Zone employees to work from home The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also cancelled judicial work for Tuesday, due to the closure of the Red Zone for the Iranian president’s visit. A notification issued by the IHC said that Tuesday’s cause list had been cancelled, adding that officials were directed to work from home. However, it added that district courts would function as per routine. Similarly, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) also announced the suspension of judicial work at its principal seat in Islamabad due to the closure of the Red Zone in Islamabad. “Consequently, the cause list of the Court stands cancelled. However, all officers and staff shall work from home and shall not leave the station. Besides, all four branch registries of the court shall remain open for judicial and administrative work,” the notification said. Separately, the federal government issued a notification implementing a one-day “work from home” directive for various ministries. According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, employees of ministries, divisions, and government offices located inside Islamabad’s Red Zone will work remotely. Furthermore, autonomous bodies and attached departments operating within the Red Zone will observe a full holiday. However, essential federal institutions and banks were exempted from this order. These included the Prime Minister’s Office, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, commerce, industries, law, parliamentary affairs, and planning division, alongside all federal banking institutions. Bus stands closed All bus terminals operating in the capital were closed on Monday night as a security measure in view of the arrival of the Iranian president. Officials of the capital administration and police said that the capital police, under directives from the capital administration, approached the managements of bus terminals in the capital, including those at Faizabad and Chongi No 26, and asked them to shut down their operations before midnight. The managers were further asked to suspend their operations on Tuesday. The terminals will remain closed until the departure of the Iranian president. Besides, the Islamabad Red Zone has also been sealed as a security measure. Entry will be allowed only to concerned officials. Further, Islamabad District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon ordered the immediate closure of all popular hiking routes in the city. The restriction applies to Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, and the hiking tracks located behind Saidpur Village, remaining effective from Tuesday until further notice. US-Iran talks in Switzerland Pezeshkian’s visit follows key direct talks — dubbed the “Lake Lucerne Summit” — held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, kicking off negotiations under the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18. Under the 14-point accord, Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate on key issues within 60 days of the signing. The US-Iran talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock were mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir representing Pakistan. The Lake Lucerne Summit created a mechanism for further technical talks, which will continue this week, and also set up communication lines to end the fighting in Lebanon and to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open. “Encouraging progress has been made,” the mediators said in their joint statement, including a contact channel set up to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” in the Strait of Hormuz. A “de-confliction cell” between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to prevent fighting from erupting again. Additional input from APP
Burgenstock'ta ABD-İran Barışı İçin 60 Günlük Yol HaritasıPM Shehbaz, Iran president address joint conference in Islamabad
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently addressing a joint press briefing with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is on an official visit to Pakistan. The premier began his speech by reciting an Iranian couplet on the themes of friendship during difficult times. PM Shehbaz described Pezeshkian as a “visionary and sagacious leader of a great country, Iran”. “But you’re a man of many talents and qualities — you are calm, you are wise and you are patient,” he added. Recalling the Iranian president’s past treatment of patients in hospitals, PM Shehbaz congratulated him on “this very well-deserved conferment”. He termed today a “historic moment between Pakistan and Iran”. Recalling the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed last week between the United States and Iran, the premier said it was “a matter of great happiness that this war has come to an end, which could have engulfed the entire region and beyond”. The prime minister hailed the “sagacious” leadership of Pezeshkian and his colleagues, and highlighted Pakistan’s role as an “honest and sincere mediator” in the US-Iran peace process. PM Shehbaz said he and President Pezeshkian held “very productive discussions in a very cordial atmosphere”. “It was like a family reunion, and brothers were talking to each other with the fullest clarity and total commitment that we will do everything to strengthen our brotherly relations like never before,” he remarked. Referring to the US-Iran technical talks held in Switzerland, he said, “My dear brother, we pray to Allah Almighty that God-willing, this arrangement will usher in a new era of peace, stability and prosperity for this entire region.” The prime minister also appreciated the “wisdom and sagacity” of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei for guiding the Iranian nation through “these very difficult and challenging times”. “Throughout this crisis, the entire Iranian nation, our Iranian brothers and sisters, have demonstrated their unity with honour and dignity,” he observed, praising their courage as “awe-inspiring”. He went on to extend Pakistan’s deepest condolences on the “loss of thousands of precious lives, including the late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was a great visionary leader and respected by all and sundry around the Muslim world”. The premier affirmed that the people of Pakistan share the grief of Iranians and stand in “complete solidarity with the people of Iran”. “Your happiness is our happiness. Your sorrow is our sorrow,” PM Shehbaz remarked. “Iran’s success is our success. Iran’s loss is our loss,” he added, inserting another Persian phrase in his speech. “This sentiment reflects deeply the feeling of the people of Pakistan.” He highlighted that the two were “far more than just neighbours” and bound together by shared history, faith and culture. The premier extended his country’s gratitude to the Iranian leadership for reposing their “abiding trust in Pakistan to initiate and mediate this peace process”. “We have done this act of mediation with fullest honesty of purpose and complete sincerity,” he declared. He commended both the Iranian and US delegations for their “serious and constructive participation” in the Lake Lucerne Summit held in Switzerland. Mentioning the “support and encouragement of many brotherly and friendly countries”, PM Shehbaz thanked the Qatari emir’s “pivotal role” and the “steadfast support and encouragement” of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. The prime minister also hailed the “untiring efforts [and] unwavering commitment” of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. “Even during the dark days, he never wavered and, as a result, was instrumental in helping build the consensus that made this historic breakthrough possible by the grace of god,” he emphasised. The premier went on to praise the “dedicated efforts” of Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his team at the Foreign Office (FO), as well as the “valuable contributions” of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. ‘We will never let you down’ Addressing a delegation-level meeting earlier, PM Shehbaz said it was a “great pleasure once again to welcome you to Pakistan”. He said Pezeshkian’s acceptance of his invitation after the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was a “matter of great happiness and satisfaction for all of us”. The premier requested Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iran’s supreme leader for his “sagacious leadership that Iran has been able to achieve this MoU and as a result, a ceasefire with dignity and honour”. He also offered his deepest condolences “on the killings of innocent Iranian brothers and sisters, children, which run into thousands of people”. PM Shehbaz said: “Yet, under your sagacious and very calm, visionary leadership, today, thanks to God, we are sitting here to peep into a very bright future, and I am very grateful to you and the Iranian leadership for having abiding trust in Pakistan’s ability to mediate with honesty and sincerity. “I want to assure you that as brothers, we will never let you down,” he affirmed. “As they say, true brotherhood doesn’t have any questions to answer. And here we are,” the prime minister said. He further assured the Iranian leader that Pakistan will “carry on this important role until we have everlasting peace in place, on terms and conditions which are dictated by dignity and honour”. He also hailed the courage of Iranians. Highlighted the role and “outstanding contribution” of CDF Munir, he remarked: “He has toiled and worked untiringly through the nights, through those dark days with one mission: come what may, we will do everything humanly possible to stop this war, which can burn vast swathes of land and devastate everything.” The premier also appreciated the efforts of Dar and Naqvi for their “fine shuttle diplomacy”. “In that, brother Abbas Araghchi has played a pivotal role,” he said. Earlier, the Iranian president was welcomed at the Prime Minister’s House with a guard of honour, and the two held a meeting before delegation-level talks. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was at the direct talks held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland over the weekend, is also accompanying Pezeshkian during the visit. At PM House, the Iranian president engaged in a bilateral meeting with PM Shehbaz, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). A statement from the PMO said that Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were in attendance. It added that delegation-level talks would take place later. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq were also expected to call on the Iranian president, according to the Foreign Office (FO). Iran’s state media IRNA reported that FM Araghchi held talks with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz “only hours” before Pezeshkian landed in Pakistan. ‘Principled support for Iran’s peace’ President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s “principled support for Iran’s peace” as President Pezeshkian paid a visit to Islamabad. In their meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr, President Zardari welcomed his Iranian counterpart on his first state visit to Pakistan since the US-Iran war, the presidency said. “The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, mainly regional peace and security, bilateral and regional connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues of mutual interest,” the statement said. President Zardari noted that the visit reflected the “longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and a desire to stay together in good and bad times”. He stressed that Pakistan has “consistently opposed one-sided initiatives and has supported dialogue and diplomacy as the means to achieve a durable and sustainable solution to regional and global challenges”. He also underscored Pakistan’s “commitment to preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah while maintaining strong fraternal relations with the countries of the Gulf region”, the presidency said. President Zardari congratulated Pezeshkian on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran and “expressed the hope that the ongoing technical-level negotiations would culminate in permanent peace in the region”. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s “principled support for Iran’s peace, stability, national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity”. The president again expressed his condolences on the “martyrdom of His Eminence Ali Hosseini Khamenei”, who was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes on Iran, and said that Pakistan would participate in his funeral. Meanwhile, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its “positive and constructive efforts in support of peace and dialogue and appreciated the support extended by Pakistan during [the] recent challenging circumstances”, the presidency said. The Iranian president said his country “attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and looks forward to further expanding cooperation in political, economic, security and regional matters” President Zardari requested President Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The Iranian president was accompanied by FM Araghchi, Chief of the President’s Office Mohsen Haji Mirzaei, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Chief of Political Affairs of President’s Office Saeed Abbas Mousavi and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam. From the Pakistani side, Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman and former FM Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Senate Chief Whip Saleem Mandviwala and ex-senator Dr Asim Hussain were present during the meeting. CDF Munir, Pezeshkian discuss ‘peace initiatives’ CDF Munir called on the Iranian president, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. They exchanged views on “regional developments and peace initiatives”, the ISPR said in a statement. CDF Munir, along with PM Shehbaz, had participated in the US-Iran talks in Switzerland, where they discussed a framework for regional peace. Both leaders have been involved in efforts to secure peace in the Middle East after the US-Iran war erupted on February 28 as US-Israeli strikes hit Tehran. During his meeting with the army chief, Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability”, the ISPR said. It added that he acknowledged Pakistan’s “consistent efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges”. On his part, CDF Munir reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region, the statement noted. “Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region,” it read. Iran president, FM arrive Pezeshkian and Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on separate flights earlier in the day. The Iranian president flew to the federal capital from Iran, while the foreign minister’s last engagement was in Oman. President Pezeshkian, upon his arrival at the Nur Khan airbase, was received by President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Deputy PM Dar, Naqvi, Bilawal and Ambassador Moghaddam. FM Araghchi, who had already landed in Pakistan, was also present to welcome his president. Pezeshkian was accorded a 21-gun salute, while fighter jets conducted a flypast in his honour, state-run APP reported. The president waved in response to the children’s welcoming slogans, it added. Upon his arrival at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan airbase earlier in the day, Araghchi was welcomed by Dar, Naqvi and Bilawal. “The leadership and people of Pakistan extend a warm welcome to Foreign Minister Araghchi and the Iranian delegation to Islamabad,” the FO said. In an earlier statement, the FO noted Pezeshkian’s visit was his second to Pakistan in his capacity as the president of Iran. It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. It also termed the visit an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”. “The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,” the FO added. IHC, FCC cancel judicial work; govt tells Red Zone employees to work from home The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also cancelled judicial work for Tuesday, due to the closure of the Red Zone for the Iranian president’s visit. A notification issued by the IHC said that Tuesday’s cause list had been cancelled, adding that officials were directed to work from home. However, it added that district courts would function as per routine. Similarly, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) also announced the suspension of judicial work at its principal seat in Islamabad due to the closure of the Red Zone in Islamabad. “Consequently, the cause list of the Court stands cancelled. However, all officers and staff shall work from home and shall not leave the station. Besides, all four branch registries of the court shall remain open for judicial and administrative work,” the notification said. Separately, the federal government issued a notification implementing a one-day “work from home” directive for various ministries. According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, employees of ministries, divisions, and government offices located inside Islamabad’s Red Zone will work remotely. Furthermore, autonomous bodies and attached departments operating within the Red Zone will observe a full holiday. However, essential federal institutions and banks were exempted from this order. These included the Prime Minister’s Office, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, commerce, industries, law, parliamentary affairs, and planning division, alongside all federal banking institutions. Bus stands closed All bus terminals operating in the capital were closed on Monday night as a security measure in view of the arrival of the Iranian president. Officials of the capital administration and police said that the capital police, under directives from the capital administration, approached the managements of bus terminals in the capital, including those at Faizabad and Chongi No 26, and asked them to shut down their operations before midnight. The managers were further asked to suspend their operations on Tuesday. The terminals will remain closed until the departure of the Iranian president. Besides, the Islamabad Red Zone has also been sealed as a security measure. Entry will be allowed only to concerned officials. Further, Islamabad District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon ordered the immediate closure of all popular hiking routes in the city. The restriction applies to Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, and the hiking tracks located behind Saidpur Village, remaining effective from Tuesday until further notice. US-Iran talks in Switzerland Pezeshkian’s visit follows key direct talks — dubbed the “Lake Lucerne Summit” — held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, kicking off negotiations under the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18. Under the 14-point accord, Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate on key issues within 60 days of the signing. The US-Iran talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock were mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir representing Pakistan. The Lake Lucerne Summit created a mechanism for further technical talks, which will continue this week, and also set up communication lines to end the fighting in Lebanon and to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open. “Encouraging progress has been made,” the mediators said in their joint statement, including a contact channel set up to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” in the Strait of Hormuz. A “de-confliction cell” between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to prevent fighting from erupting again. Additional input from APP
Burgenstock'ta ABD-İran Barışı İçin 60 Günlük Yol HaritasıPM Shehbaz addresses joint statement with Iran president
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently addressing a joint press briefing with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is on an official visit to Pakistan. Addressing a delegation-level meeting earlier, PM Shehbaz said it was a “great pleasure once again to welcome you to Pakistan”. He said Pezeshkian’s acceptance of his invitation after the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was a “matter of great happiness and satisfaction for all of us”. The premier requested Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei for his “sagacious leadership that Iran has been able to achieve this MoU and as a result, a ceasefire with dignity and honour”. He also offered his deepest condolences “on the killings of innocent Iranian brothers and sisters, children, which run into thousands of people”. PM Shehbaz said: “Yet, under your sagacious and very calm, visionary leadership, today, thanks to God, we are sitting here to peep into a very bright future, and I am very grateful to you and the Iranian leadership for having abiding trust in Pakistan’s ability to mediate with honesty and sincerity. “I want to assure you that as brothers, we will never let you down,” he affirmed. “As they say, true brotherhood doesn’t have any questions to answer. And here we are,” the prime minister said. He further assured the Iranian leader that Pakistan will “carry on this important role until we have everlasting peace in place, on terms and conditions which are dictated by dignity and honour”. He also hailed the courage of Iranians. During his speech, PM Shehbaz highlighted the role and “outstanding contribution” of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, which “led to this ceasefire” and the signing of the Pakistan-mediated MoU. “He has toiled and worked untiringly through the nights, through those dark days with one mission: come what may, we will do everything humanly possible to stop this war, which can burn vast swathes of land and devastate everything,” the prime minister remarked. Recalling the first session of the US-Iran technical discussions at Burgenstock, the premier appreciated the efforts of Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his team, as well as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, for “his fine shuttle diplomacy”. “In that, brother Abbas Araghchi has played a pivotal role,” he said, acknowledging the “support” that Pakistan has received from Qatar. Earlier, the Iranian president was welcomed at the Prime Minister’s House with a guard of honour, and the two held a meeting before delegation-level talks. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was at the direct talks held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland over the weekend, is also accompanying Pezeshkian during the visit. At PM House, the Iranian president engaged in a bilateral meeting with PM Shehbaz, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). A statement from the PMO said that Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were in attendance. It added that delegation-level talks would take place later. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq were also expected to call on the Iranian president, according to the Foreign Office (FO). Iran’s state media IRNA reported that FM Araghchi held talks with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz “only hours” before Pezeshkian landed in Pakistan. ‘Principled support for Iran’s peace’ President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s “principled support for Iran’s peace” as President Pezeshkian paid a visit to Islamabad. In their meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr, President Zardari welcomed his Iranian counterpart on his first state visit to Pakistan since the US-Iran war, the presidency said. “The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, mainly regional peace and security, bilateral and regional connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues of mutual interest,” the statement said. President Zardari noted that the visit reflected the “longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and a desire to stay together in good and bad times”. He stressed that Pakistan has “consistently opposed one-sided initiatives and has supported dialogue and diplomacy as the means to achieve a durable and sustainable solution to regional and global challenges”. He also underscored Pakistan’s “commitment to preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah while maintaining strong fraternal relations with the countries of the Gulf region”, the presidency said. President Zardari congratulated Pezeshkian on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran and “expressed the hope that the ongoing technical-level negotiations would culminate in permanent peace in the region”. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s “principled support for Iran’s peace, stability, national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity”. The president again expressed his condolences on the “martyrdom of His Eminence Ali Hosseini Khamenei”, who was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes on Iran, and said that Pakistan would participate in his funeral. Meanwhile, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its “positive and constructive efforts in support of peace and dialogue and appreciated the support extended by Pakistan during [the] recent challenging circumstances”, the presidency said. The Iranian president said his country “attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and looks forward to further expanding cooperation in political, economic, security and regional matters” President Zardari requested President Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The Iranian president was accompanied by FM Araghchi, Chief of the President’s Office Mohsen Haji Mirzaei, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Chief of Political Affairs of President’s Office Saeed Abbas Mousavi and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam. From the Pakistani side, Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman and former FM Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Senate Chief Whip Saleem Mandviwala and ex-senator Dr Asim Hussain were present during the meeting. CDF Munir, Pezeshkian discuss ‘peace initiatives’ CDF Munir called on the Iranian president, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. They exchanged views on “regional developments and peace initiatives”, the ISPR said in a statement. CDF Munir, along with PM Shehbaz, had participated in the US-Iran talks in Switzerland, where they discussed a framework for regional peace. Both leaders have been involved in efforts to secure peace in the Middle East after the US-Iran war erupted on February 28 as US-Israeli strikes hit Tehran. During his meeting with the army chief, Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability”, the ISPR said. It added that he acknowledged Pakistan’s “consistent efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges”. On his part, CDF Munir reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region, the statement noted. “Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region,” it read. Iran president, FM arrive Pezeshkian and Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on separate flights earlier in the day. The Iranian president flew to the federal capital from Iran, while the foreign minister’s last engagement was in Oman. President Pezeshkian, upon his arrival at the Nur Khan airbase, was received by President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Deputy PM Dar, Naqvi, Bilawal and Ambassador Moghaddam. FM Araghchi, who had already landed in Pakistan, was also present to welcome his president. Pezeshkian was accorded a 21-gun salute, while fighter jets conducted a flypast in his honour, state-run APP reported. The president waved in response to the children’s welcoming slogans, it added. Upon his arrival at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan airbase earlier in the day, Araghchi was welcomed by Dar, Naqvi and Bilawal. “The leadership and people of Pakistan extend a warm welcome to Foreign Minister Araghchi and the Iranian delegation to Islamabad,” the FO said. In an earlier statement, the FO noted Pezeshkian’s visit was his second to Pakistan in his capacity as the president of Iran. It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. It also termed the visit an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”. “The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,” the FO added. IHC, FCC cancel judicial work; govt tells Red Zone employees to work from home The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also cancelled judicial work for Tuesday, due to the closure of the Red Zone for the Iranian president’s visit. A notification issued by the IHC said that Tuesday’s cause list had been cancelled, adding that officials were directed to work from home. However, it added that district courts would function as per routine. Similarly, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) also announced the suspension of judicial work at its principal seat in Islamabad due to the closure of the Red Zone in Islamabad. “Consequently, the cause list of the Court stands cancelled. However, all officers and staff shall work from home and shall not leave the station. Besides, all four branch registries of the court shall remain open for judicial and administrative work,” the notification said. Separately, the federal government issued a notification implementing a one-day “work from home” directive for various ministries. According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, employees of ministries, divisions, and government offices located inside Islamabad’s Red Zone will work remotely. Furthermore, autonomous bodies and attached departments operating within the Red Zone will observe a full holiday. However, essential federal institutions and banks were exempted from this order. These included the Prime Minister’s Office, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, commerce, industries, law, parliamentary affairs, and planning division, alongside all federal banking institutions. Bus stands closed All bus terminals operating in the capital were closed on Monday night as a security measure in view of the arrival of the Iranian president. Officials of the capital administration and police said that the capital police, under directives from the capital administration, approached the managements of bus terminals in the capital, including those at Faizabad and Chongi No 26, and asked them to shut down their operations before midnight. The managers were further asked to suspend their operations on Tuesday. The terminals will remain closed until the departure of the Iranian president. Besides, the Islamabad Red Zone has also been sealed as a security measure. Entry will be allowed only to concerned officials. Further, Islamabad District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon ordered the immediate closure of all popular hiking routes in the city. The restriction applies to Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, and the hiking tracks located behind Saidpur Village, remaining effective from Tuesday until further notice. US-Iran talks in Switzerland Pezeshkian’s visit follows key direct talks — dubbed the “Lake Lucerne Summit” — held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, kicking off negotiations under the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18. Under the 14-point accord, Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate on key issues within 60 days of the signing. The US-Iran talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock were mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir representing Pakistan. The Lake Lucerne Summit created a mechanism for further technical talks, which will continue this week, and also set up communication lines to end the fighting in Lebanon and to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open. “Encouraging progress has been made,” the mediators said in their joint statement, including a contact channel set up to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” in the Strait of Hormuz. A “de-confliction cell” between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to prevent fighting from erupting again. Additional input from APP
Burgenstock'ta ABD-İran Barışı İçin 60 Günlük Yol HaritasıPM Shehbaz address delegation-level talks with Iran president
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently addressing a delegation-level meeting as Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian pays an official visit to Pakistan. Pezeshkian is on an official visit to Pakistan at PM Shehbaz’s invitation. Earlier, the visiting dignitary was welcomed at the Prime Minister’s House with a guard of honour, and the two held a meeting before delegation-level talks. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was at the direct talks held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland over the weekend, is also accompanying Pezeshkian during the visit. At PM House, the Iranian president engaged in a bilateral meeting with PM Shehbaz, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). A statement from the PMO said that Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were in attendance. It added that delegation-level talks would take place later. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq were also expected to call on the Iranian president, according to the Foreign Office (FO). Iran’s state media IRNA reported that FM Araghchi held talks with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz “only hours” before Pezeshkian landed in Pakistan. ‘Principled support for Iran’s peace’ President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s “principled support for Iran’s peace” as President Pezeshkian paid a visit to Islamabad. In their meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr, President Zardari welcomed his Iranian counterpart on his first state visit to Pakistan since the US-Iran war, the presidency said. “The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, mainly regional peace and security, bilateral and regional connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues of mutual interest,” the statement said. President Zardari noted that the visit reflected the “longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and a desire to stay together in good and bad times”. He stressed that Pakistan has “consistently opposed one-sided initiatives and has supported dialogue and diplomacy as the means to achieve a durable and sustainable solution to regional and global challenges”. He also underscored Pakistan’s “commitment to preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah while maintaining strong fraternal relations with the countries of the Gulf region”, the presidency said. President Zardari congratulated Pezeshkian on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran and “expressed the hope that the ongoing technical-level negotiations would culminate in permanent peace in the region”. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s “principled support for Iran’s peace, stability, national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity”. The president again expressed his condolences on the “martyrdom of His Eminence Ali Hosseini Khamenei”, who was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes on Iran, and said that Pakistan would participate in his funeral. Meanwhile, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its “positive and constructive efforts in support of peace and dialogue and appreciated the support extended by Pakistan during [the] recent challenging circumstances”, the presidency said. The Iranian president said his country “attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and looks forward to further expanding cooperation in political, economic, security and regional matters” President Zardari requested President Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The Iranian president was accompanied by FM Araghchi, Chief of the President’s Office Mohsen Haji Mirzaei, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Chief of Political Affairs of President’s Office Saeed Abbas Mousavi and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam. From the Pakistani side, Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman and former FM Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Senate Chief Whip Saleem Mandviwala and ex-senator Dr Asim Hussain were present during the meeting. CDF Munir, Pezeshkian discuss ‘peace initiatives’ CDF Munir called on the Iranian president, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. They exchanged views on “regional developments and peace initiatives”, the ISPR said in a statement. CDF Munir, along with PM Shehbaz, had participated in the US-Iran talks in Switzerland, where they discussed a framework for regional peace. Both leaders have been involved in efforts to secure peace in the Middle East after the US-Iran war erupted on February 28 as US-Israeli strikes hit Tehran. During his meeting with the army chief, Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability”, the ISPR said. It added that he acknowledged Pakistan’s “consistent efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges”. On his part, CDF Munir reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region, the statement noted. “Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region,” it read. Iran president, FM arrive Pezeshkian and Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on separate flights earlier in the day. The Iranian president flew to the federal capital from Iran, while the foreign minister’s last engagement was in Oman. President Pezeshkian, upon his arrival at the Nur Khan airbase, was received by President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Deputy PM Dar, Naqvi, Bilawal and Ambassador Moghaddam. FM Araghchi, who had already landed in Pakistan, was also present to welcome his president. Pezeshkian was accorded a 21-gun salute, while fighter jets conducted a flypast in his honour, state-run APP reported. The president waved in response to the children’s welcoming slogans, it added. Upon his arrival at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan airbase earlier in the day, Araghchi was welcomed by Dar, Naqvi and Bilawal. “The leadership and people of Pakistan extend a warm welcome to Foreign Minister Araghchi and the Iranian delegation to Islamabad,” the FO said. In an earlier statement, the FO noted Pezeshkian’s visit was his second to Pakistan in his capacity as the president of Iran. It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. It also termed the visit an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”. “The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,” the FO added. IHC, FCC cancel judicial work; govt tells Red Zone employees to work from home The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also cancelled judicial work for Tuesday, due to the closure of the Red Zone for the Iranian president’s visit. A notification issued by the IHC said that Tuesday’s cause list had been cancelled, adding that officials were directed to work from home. However, it added that district courts would function as per routine. Similarly, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) also announced the suspension of judicial work at its principal seat in Islamabad due to the closure of the Red Zone in Islamabad. “Consequently, the cause list of the Court stands cancelled. However, all officers and staff shall work from home and shall not leave the station. Besides, all four branch registries of the court shall remain open for judicial and administrative work,” the notification said. Separately, the federal government issued a notification implementing a one-day “work from home” directive for various ministries. According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, employees of ministries, divisions, and government offices located inside Islamabad’s Red Zone will work remotely. Furthermore, autonomous bodies and attached departments operating within the Red Zone will observe a full holiday. However, essential federal institutions and banks were exempted from this order. These included the Prime Minister’s Office, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, commerce, industries, law, parliamentary affairs, and planning division, alongside all federal banking institutions. Bus stands closed All bus terminals operating in the capital were closed on Monday night as a security measure in view of the arrival of the Iranian president. Officials of the capital administration and police said that the capital police, under directives from the capital administration, approached the managements of bus terminals in the capital, including those at Faizabad and Chongi No 26, and asked them to shut down their operations before midnight. The managers were further asked to suspend their operations on Tuesday. The terminals will remain closed until the departure of the Iranian president. Besides, the Islamabad Red Zone has also been sealed as a security measure. Entry will be allowed only to concerned officials. Further, Islamabad District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon ordered the immediate closure of all popular hiking routes in the city. The restriction applies to Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, and the hiking tracks located behind Saidpur Village, remaining effective from Tuesday until further notice. US-Iran talks in Switzerland Pezeshkian’s visit follows key direct talks — dubbed the “Lake Lucerne Summit” — held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, kicking off negotiations under the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18. Under the 14-point accord, Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate on key issues within 60 days of the signing. The US-Iran talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock were mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir representing Pakistan. The Lake Lucerne Summit created a mechanism for further technical talks, which will continue this week, and also set up communication lines to end the fighting in Lebanon and to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open. “Encouraging progress has been made,” the mediators said in their joint statement, including a contact channel set up to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” in the Strait of Hormuz. A “de-confliction cell” between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to prevent fighting from erupting again. Additional input from APP
Burgenstock'ta ABD-İran Barışı İçin 60 Günlük Yol Haritası'Stay together in good and bad times': President Zardari voices support for Iran's peace in meeting with Pezeshkian
President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s “principled support for Iran’s peace” as President Masoud Pezeshkian paid a visit to Islamabad. The visiting dignitary was also welcomed at the Prime Minister House with a guard of honour and the two were set to hold a meeting. Pezeshkian is on an official visit to Pakistan at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was at the direct talks held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland over the weekend, is also accompanying Pezeshkian during the visit. In their meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr, President Zardari welcomed his Iranian counterpart on his first state visit to Pakistan since the US-Iran war, the presidency said. “The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, mainly regional peace and security, bilateral and regional connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues of mutual interest,” the statement said. President Zardari noted that the visit reflected the “longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries and a desire to stay together in good and bad times”. He stressed that Pakistan has “consistently opposed one-sided initiatives and has supported dialogue and diplomacy as the means to achieve a durable and sustainable solution to regional and global challenges”. He also underscored Pakistan’s “commitment to preserving the unity of the Muslim Ummah while maintaining strong fraternal relations with the countries of the Gulf region”, the presidency said. President Zardari congratulated Pezeshkian on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran and “expressed the hope that the ongoing technical-level negotiations would culminate in permanent peace in the region”. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s “principled support for Iran’s peace, stability, national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity”. The president again expressed his condolences on the “martyrdom of His Eminence Ali Hosseini Khamenei”, who was assassinated in US-Israeli strikes on Iran, and said that Pakistan would participate in his funeral. Meanwhile, President Pezeshkian thanked Pakistan for its “positive and constructive efforts in support of peace and dialogue and appreciated the support extended by Pakistan during [the] recent challenging circumstances”, the presidency said. The Iranian president said his country “attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and looks forward to further expanding cooperation in political, economic, security and regional matters” President Zardari requested President Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The Iranian president was accompanied by FM Araghchi, Chief of the President’s Office Mohsen Haji Mirzaei, Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, Chief of Political Affairs of President’s Office Saeed Abbas Mousavi and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghaddam. From the Pakistani side, Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar, PPP Chairman and former FM Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Senate Chief Whip Saleem Mandviwala and ex-senator Dr Asim Hussain were present during the meeting. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq were also expected to call on the Iranian president, according to the Foreign Office (FO). Iran’s state media IRNA reported that FM Araghchi held talks with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz “only hours” before Pezeshkian landed in Pakistan. CDF Munir, Pezeshkian discuss ‘peace initiatives’ Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir called on the Iranian president, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. They exchanged views on “regional developments and peace initiatives”, the ISPR said in a statement. CDF Munir, along with PM Shehbaz, had participated in the US-Iran talks in Switzerland, where they discussed a framework for regional peace. Both leaders have been involved in efforts to secure peace in the Middle East after the US-Iran war erupted on February 28 as US-Israeli strikes hit Tehran. During his meeting with the army chief, Pezeshkian appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability”, the ISPR said. It added that he acknowledged Pakistan’s “consistent efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges”. On his part, CDF Munir reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region, the statement noted. “Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region,” it read. Iran president, FM arrive Pezeshkian and Araghchi arrived in Pakistan on separate flights earlier in the day. The Iranian president flew to the federal capital from Iran, while the foreign minister’s last engagement was in Oman. President Pezeshkian, upon his arrival at the Nur Khan airbase, was received by President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Deputy PM Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Iran’s envoy to Islamabad Reza Amiri Moghaddam. FM Araghchi, who had already landed in Pakistan, was also present to welcome his president. Pezeshkian was accorded a 21-gun salute, while fighter jets conducted a flypast in his honour, state-run APP reported. The president waved in response to the children’s welcoming slogans, it added. Upon his arrival at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan airbase earlier in the day, Araghchi was welcomed by Dar, Naqvi and Bilawal. “The leadership and people of Pakistan extend a warm welcome to Foreign Minister Araghchi and the Iranian delegation to Islamabad,” the FO said. In an earlier statement, the FO noted Pezeshkian’s visit was his second to Pakistan in his capacity as the president of Iran. It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. It also termed the visit an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”. “The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,” the FO added. IHC, FCC cancel judicial work; govt tells Red Zone employees to work from home The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also cancelled judicial work for Tuesday, due to the closure of the Red Zone for the Iranian president’s visit. A notification issued by the IHC said that Tuesday’s cause list had been cancelled, adding that officials were directed to work from home. However, it added that district courts would function as per routine. Similarly, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) also announced the suspension of judicial work at its principal seat in Islamabad due to the closure of the Red Zone in Islamabad. “Consequently, the cause list of the Court stands cancelled. However, all officers and staff shall work from home and shall not leave the station. Besides, all four branch registries of the court shall remain open for judicial and administrative work,” the notification said. Separately, the federal government issued a notification implementing a one-day “work from home” directive for various ministries. According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, employees of ministries, divisions, and government offices located inside Islamabad’s Red Zone will work remotely. Furthermore, autonomous bodies and attached departments operating within the Red Zone will observe a full holiday. However, essential federal institutions and banks were exempted from this order. These included the Prime Minister’s Office, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, commerce, industries, law, parliamentary affairs, and planning division, alongside all federal banking institutions. Bus stands closed All bus terminals operating in the capital were closed on Monday night as a security measure in view of the arrival of the Iranian president. Officials of the capital administration and police said that the capital police, under directives from the capital administration, approached the managements of bus terminals in the capital, including those at Faizabad and Chongi No 26, and asked them to shut down their operations before midnight. The managers were further asked to suspend their operations on Tuesday. The terminals will remain closed until the departure of the Iranian president. Besides, the Islamabad Red Zone has also been sealed as a security measure. Entry will be allowed only to concerned officials. Further, Islamabad District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon ordered the immediate closure of all popular hiking routes in the city. The restriction applies to Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, and the hiking tracks located behind Saidpur Village, remaining effective from Tuesday until further notice. US-Iran talks in Switzerland Pezeshkian’s visit follows key direct talks — dubbed the “Lake Lucerne Summit” — held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, kicking off negotiations under the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18. Under the 14-point accord, Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate on key issues within 60 days of the signing. The US-Iran talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock were mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir representing Pakistan. The Lake Lucerne Summit created a mechanism for further technical talks, which will continue this week, and also set up communication lines to end the fighting in Lebanon and to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open. “Encouraging progress has been made,” the mediators said in their joint statement, including a contact channel set up to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” in the Strait of Hormuz. A “de-confliction cell” between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to prevent fighting from erupting again. Additional input from APP
Zardari, İran'a Barış Desteğini Yineledi: 'İyi ve Kötü Günde Birlikteyiz'Iran's President Pezeshkian welcomed with guard of honour at PM House
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad as he visits Pakistan on a one-day visit. Pezeshkian is on an official visit to Pakistan at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation. Earlier in the day, Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Pakistan in separate planes. The Iranian president flew to the federal capital from Iran, while Araghchi’s last engagement was in Oman. President Pezeshkian, upon his arrival at the Nur Khan airbase, was received by President Asif Ali Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Iran’s envoy to Islamabad Reza Amiri Moghaddam. FM Araghchi was also present to welcome his president, according to televised footage. Pezeshkian was accorded a 21-gun salute, while fighter jets conducted a flypast in his honour, state-run APP reported. The president waved in response to the children’s welcoming slogans, it added. FM Araghchi meets president, PM FM Araghchi, who was part of the US-Iran talks in Switzerland over the weekend, is also part of Pezeshkian’s delegation. Iran’s state media IRNA reported that the top Iranian diplomat held talks with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz “only hours” before Pezeshkian landed in Pakistan. Upon his arrival at Rawalpindi’s Nur Khan airbase earlier in the day, Araghchi was welcomed by Dar, Naqvi and Bilawal. “The leadership and people of Pakistan extend a warm welcome to Foreign Minister Araghchi and the Iranian delegation to Islamabad,” the Foreign Office said (FO). Both sides to review ‘full spectrum’ of bilateral relations During the visit, Pezeshkian will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold talks with PM Shehbaz, according to the FO. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Deputy PM Dar will call on the visiting dignitary. “This will be Dr Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as president of Iran,” the FO said. It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. It also termed the visit an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”. “The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,” the FO added. IHC, FCC cancel judicial work; govt tells Red Zone employees to work from home The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also cancelled judicial work for Tuesday, due to the closure of the Red Zone for the Iranian president’s visit. A notification issued by the IHC said that Tuesday’s cause list had been cancelled, adding that officials were directed to work from home. However, it added that district courts would function as per routine. Similarly, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) also announced the suspension of judicial work at its principal seat in Islamabad due to the closure of the Red Zone in Islamabad. “Consequently, the cause list of the Court stands cancelled. However, all officers and staff shall work from home and shall not leave the station. Besides, all four branch registries of the court shall remain open for judicial and administrative work,” the notification said. Separately, the federal government issued a notification implementing a one-day “work from home” directive for various ministries. According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, employees of ministries, divisions, and government offices located inside Islamabad’s Red Zone will work remotely. Furthermore, autonomous bodies and attached departments operating within the Red Zone will observe a full holiday. However, essential federal institutions and banks were exempted from this order. These included the Prime Minister’s Office, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, commerce, industries, law, parliamentary affairs, and planning division, alongside all federal banking institutions. Bus stands closed All bus terminals operating in the capital were closed on Monday night as a security measure in view of the arrival of the Iranian president. Officials of the capital administration and police said that the capital police, under directives from the capital administration, approached the managements of bus terminals in the capital, including those at Faizabad and Chongi No 26, and asked them to shut down their operations before midnight. The managers were further asked to suspend their operations on Tuesday. The terminals will remain closed until the departure of the Iranian president. Besides, the Islamabad Red Zone has also been sealed as a security measure. Entry will be allowed only to concerned officials. Further, Islamabad District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon ordered the immediate closure of all popular hiking routes in the city. The restriction applies to Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, and the hiking tracks located behind Saidpur Village, remaining effective from Tuesday until further notice. US-Iran talks in Switzerland Pezeshkian’s visit follows key direct talks — dubbed the “Lake Lucerne Summit” — held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, kicking off negotiations under the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18. Under the 14-point accord, Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate on key issues within 60 days of the signing. The US-Iran talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock were mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir representing Pakistan. The Lake Lucerne Summit created a mechanism for further technical talks, which will continue this week, and also set up communication lines to end the fighting in Lebanon and to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open. “Encouraging progress has been made,” the mediators said in their joint statement, including a contact channel set up to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” in the Strait of Hormuz. A “de-confliction cell” between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to prevent fighting from erupting again. Additional input from APP
AJK govt rules out 'blanket amnesty' for proscribed JAAC leaders
MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Tuesday ruled out any blanket amnesty for leaders of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), holding them responsible for recent deaths and violence and vowing to pursue legal action against them. The regional administration and the JAAC remain at odds over various issues, most notably the committee’s demand to abolish the 12 seats in the region’s Legislative Assembly that are reserved for refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir who settled in mainland Pakistan after 1947. Addressing a joint press conference alongside Inspector General of Police (IGP) Liaqat Ali Malik, Chief Secretary Khushal Khan said the JAAC leadership had become divided over the ongoing process of negotiations and mediation. “There will be no blanket amnesty,” he said, adding that the leadership of the proscribed organisation would have to face the consequences of the deaths and violence linked to its movement. On Tuesday, a strike called by the JAAC continued in various parts of the region, with Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions observing a partial strike. Meanwhile, most routine activities had resumed in Mirpur. While some banks across AJK began their operations, connectivity issues persisted as internet services remained suspended. Public transport also remained off the roads in many areas. At the press conference, Khushal said the government had offered the JAAC several constitutional options to pursue its demand regarding the 12 Legislative Assembly seats reserved for refugees from India-held Kashmir, including an all-parties conference, an assembly session and recourse to the courts. He claimed that while the government had kept all channels of dialogue open, the organisation had expanded its demands from two points to 38, and then added further demands. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has maintained that 35 out of 38 demands of the JAAC, agreed between it and the government last October, had been fulfilled. During the press conference, the chief secretary said road blockades and violent activities were unacceptable, alleging that highways had been blocked by felling trees and that trucks carrying goods had been stopped and burned in some areas. He also claimed that an attempt had been made in Rawalakot to hijack trucks carrying relief supplies, which were later recovered by law enforcement agencies. Khan said maintaining subsidised flour and electricity rates had imposed a heavy financial burden on the government. According to him, reducing electricity tariffs to Rs2.75 per unit could result in annual losses of Rs8 billion to Rs10bn, while subsidies on flour and electricity had required allocations of Rs20bn to Rs25bn from the resources of the federal and AJK governments. Apparently referring to the considerable number of women and children attending some sit-ins recently, the chief secretary alleged that the JAAC leadership was attempting to use women and children as “human shields”. The official further alleged that overseas activists linked to the JAAC were raising anti-state slogans. “Political blackmail has been buried, and the era of peaceful, civilised and logical dialogue has begun,” he said, adding that the government would continue to take constitutional and legal measures to maintain peace and stability. “Negotiations will never be held at gunpoint.” Speaking on the occasion, IGP Malik alleged that activists of the proscribed JAAC had opened fire on police during a routine checkpoint inspection on June 5, resulting in the death of one activist and injuries to JAAC leader Umar Nazir and two police personnel. He claimed that a post-mortem examination of the deceased driver had indicated that he was shot in the back of the neck, suggesting that the fatal bullet had come from inside the vehicle rather than from security forces. The police chief further alleged that JAAC activists attacked the Rawalakot Combined Military Hospital (CMH), killing three policemen deployed there for security duties and assaulting patients and medical staff. He said LEAs would continue action against those involved in “anti-state” activities and would uphold the writ of the state at all costs. Describing the ongoing protest movement, he contended: “This is not a long march but an organised mobilisation.” The IGP also alleged that women and children were being used as human shields, adding that there were reports of weapons being concealed under burqas. The IGP did not share any additional information supporting the claim. Moreover, the IGP asserted that those who surrendered unconditionally would be treated fairly under the law. AJK PM says JAAC showed ‘zero flexibility’ Meanwhile, AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said reports that the JAAC had approached Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for mediation vindicated his government’s longstanding insistence on dialogue to resolve the ongoing standoff. In his video message, Fazl said he has accepted JAAC leaders’ invitation asking him to mediate to resolve the “crisis and tense situation” in AJK. However, noting that he had been approached at a time when the JAAC was mulling its future course of action, Fazl said he needed time to convince the government to enter into a dialogue. Fazl, known for his engagement with politicians from across the board, urged the JAAC to postpone its sit-in and not intensify its protest so that a pathway for talks can be carved out. Commenting on the veteran politician’s video, Rathore said the government had from the outset urged JAAC leaders not to abandon negotiations and to return to the table. “Isn’t this what we’ve been asking from them since Day 1?” he wrote in a post on X, asserting that the group had shown “zero flexibility” despite repeated appeals to end its lockdown and agitation campaign. “They ignored us,” the AJK premier said. “Now, after raising slogans against so-called ‘political interference’ in AJK’s affairs, they’ve approached the respected Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman of JUI, Pakistan, for mediation,” he said. In a post on Monday, Rathore had expressed concern over hardships faced by residents in areas affected by the ongoing standoff and said he had directed relevant officials to provide immediate relief to the public. He alleged that videos circulating online showed miscreants threatening and, in some cases, assaulting traders who chose to keep their businesses open. Rathore stressed that the government had made repeated appeals for “meaningful dialogue”, welcomed third-party mediation efforts and even opened backchannel contacts for negotiations, but claimed that these efforts had failed. Referring to reports that the JAAC had issued another ultimatum to the government and threatened a march on Muzaffarabad, he warned that any attempt to further aggravate the situation would be dealt with “with full force of law”. “I assure you all that days of chaos and unrest will soon be behind us, and I’m confident peace and calm will return to our land for good,” he wrote. On June 9, the day the JAAC was to begin its strike, AJK Prime Minister Faisal Rathore had called for the issue to be resolved through talks. As strikes disrupted routine life in some parts, Rathore said a week ago that the JAAC bore the “primary responsibility” for pushing the situation to a point where lives were lost. “If they enjoy public support, they should become part of the system and bring reforms from within,” he said. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, whose party is in power in AJK, has also called for the issue to be resolved in a democratic and peaceful manner. JAAC ban Ahead of the July 27 elections in AJK, the JAAC had called for widespread protests demanding the abolition of 12 seats in the region’s Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from occupied Kashmir who settled in mainland Pakistan after 1947. Elections for these seats are held separately from the 33 general seats in AJK, with refugees registered in 12 constituencies across Pakistan voting for their representatives. The seats have long been politically sensitive due to disputes over voter lists, delimitation, and constitutional amendments. On June 5, the JAAC was declared a proscribed organisation by the regional government and placed under the First Schedule of the region’s anti-terrorism act (ATA). A day later, AJK authorities launched a crackdown on the JAAC, arresting scores of its leaders and later placing 147 of its activists on the Fourth Schedule of the ATA.
AJK Hükümeti JAAC Liderlerine Genel Af Yok DediIranian President Pezeshkian, FM Araghchi arrive in Pakistan
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday. Pezeshkian is on an official visit to Pakistan on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s invitation. During the visit, Pezeshkian will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold talks with PM Shehbaz, according to the Foreign Office (FO). Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will call on the visiting dignitary. “This will be Dr Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as president of Iran,” the FO said. It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. It also termed the visit an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”. “The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,” the FO added. IHC, FCC cancel judicial work; govt tells Red Zone employees to work from home The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also cancelled judicial work for Tuesday, due to the closure of the Red Zone for the Iranian president’s visit. A notification issued by the IHC said that Tuesday’s cause list had been cancelled, adding that officials were directed to work from home. However, it added that district courts would function as per routine. Similarly, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) also announced the suspension of judicial work at its principal seat in Islamabad due to the closure of the Red Zone in Islamabad. “Consequently, the cause list of the Court stands cancelled. However, all officers and staff shall work from home and shall not leave the station. Besides, all four branch registries of the court shall remain open for judicial and administrative work,” the notification said. Separately, the federal government issued a notification implementing a one-day “work from home” directive for various ministries. According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, employees of ministries, divisions, and government offices located inside Islamabad’s Red Zone will work remotely. Furthermore, autonomous bodies and attached departments operating within the Red Zone will observe a full holiday. However, essential federal institutions and banks were exempted from this order. These included the Prime Minister’s Office, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, commerce, industries, law, parliamentary affairs, and planning division, alongside all federal banking institutions. Bus stands closed All bus terminals operating in the capital were closed on Monday night as a security measure in view of the arrival of the Iranian president. Officials of the capital administration and police said that the capital police, under directives from the capital administration, approached the managements of bus terminals in the capital, including those at Faizabad and Chongi No 26, and asked them to shut down their operations before midnight. The managers were further asked to suspend their operations on Tuesday. The terminals will remain closed until the departure of the Iranian president. Besides, the Islamabad Red Zone has also been sealed as a security measure. Entry will be allowed only to concerned officials. Further, Islamabad District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon ordered the immediate closure of all popular hiking routes in the city. The restriction applies to Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, and the hiking tracks located behind Saidpur Village, remaining effective from Tuesday until further notice. US-Iran talks in Switzerland Pezeshkian’s visit follows key direct talks — dubbed the “Lake Lucerne Summit” — held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, kicking off negotiations under the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18. Under the 14-point accord, Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate on key issues within 60 days of the signing. The US-Iran talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock were mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir representing Pakistan. The Lake Lucerne Summit created a mechanism for further technical talks, which will continue this week, and also set up communication lines to end the fighting in Lebanon and to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open. “Encouraging progress has been made,” the mediators said in their joint statement, including a contact channel set up to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” in the Strait of Hormuz. A “de-confliction cell” between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to prevent fighting from erupting again. Additional input from APP
Iranian president Pezeshkian to arrive in Pakistan today on official visit
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will arrive in Pakistan today (Tuesday) on an official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During his visit, he will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold talks with PM Shehbaz, according to the Foreign Office. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will call on the visiting dignitary. “This will be Dr Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as president of Iran,” the FO said. It said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges and regional connectivity. It also termed the visit an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”. “The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,” the FO added. Security arrangements All bus terminals operating in the capital were closed on Monday night as a security measure in view of the arrival of the Iranian president. Officials of the capital administration and police said that the capital police, under directives from the capital administration, approached the managements of bus terminals in the capital, including those at Faizabad and Chongi No 26, and asked them to shut down their operations before midnight. The managers were further asked to suspend their operations on Tuesday. The terminals will remain closed until the departure of the Iranian president. Besides, the Islamabad Red Zone has also been sealed as a security measure. Entry will be allowed only to concerned officials. Separately, the federal government and district administration issued separate notifications implementing a one-day “work from home” directive for various ministries and closing all major hiking trails to the public on Tuesday. According to a notification issued by Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, employees of ministries, divisions, and government offices located inside Islamabad’s Red Zone will work remotely. Furthermore, autonomous bodies and attached departments operating within the Red Zone will observe a full holiday. However, essential federal institutions and banks were exempted from this order. These included the Prime Minister’s Office, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, commerce, industries, law, parliamentary affairs, and planning division, alongside all federal banking institutions. Further, Islamabad District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon ordered the immediate closure of all popular hiking routes in the city. The restriction applies to Trail 2, Trail 3, Trail 4, Trail 5, and the hiking tracks located behind Saidpur Village, remaining effective from Tuesday until further notice. US-Iran talks in Switzerland Pezeshkian’s visit follows key direct talks — dubbed the “Lake Lucerne Summit” — held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, kicking off negotiations under the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18. Under the 14-point accord, Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate on key issues within 60 days of the signing. The US-Iran talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock were mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir representing Pakistan. The Lake Lucerne Summit created a mechanism for further technical talks, which will continue this week, and also set up communication lines to end the fighting in Lebanon and to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open. “Encouraging progress has been made,” the mediators said in their joint statement, including a contact channel set up to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” in the Strait of Hormuz. A “de-confliction cell” between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to prevent fighting from erupting again. Additional input from APP
Hafiz Naeem criticises PPP over lack of implementation on minimum wage
Jamaat chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman speaks at the press confernce.—Dawn KARACHI: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman on Monday questioned Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari over the minimum wage amount and its implementation, arguing that most families cannot meet their basic needs on a monthly income of Rs43,000. Addressing a press conference at JI Karachi headquarters Idara Noor-i-Haq, he also said that while the Sindh government has fixed the minimum wage at Rs43,000, the public should be informed about the actual earnings of labourers working on the Bhutto family’s estates. Farm workers, he said, are given only a small share of grain by the landlords and are kept in conditions resembling servitude. He also said the PPP maintained a feudal culture within the party, adding that hereditary privilege outweighed the contributions of long-serving party workers. The JI chief also criticised the federal budget, saying it failed to provide meaningful relief to private-sector employees, labourers and ordinary citizens. He noted that while government employees had received a limited salary increase, parliamentarians’ salaries and benefits had already been raised by 300 to 400 per cent. Says most families can’t meet basic needs even on Rs43,000 per month He further expressed concern over the lack of an increase in pensions for Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) beneficiaries and called on media organisations to ensure fair wages and rights for their workers. Hafiz Naeem said the petroleum levy had become a heavy burden on motorcycle riders and ordinary citizens, many of whom do not earn enough to pay income tax. He demanded that petrol prices be fixed at Rs225 per litre, the petroleum levy be abolished immediately, and heavy taxes in electricity bills and agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) be reviewed and terminated. Stressing that the JI believes in peaceful political struggle and democratic resistance, he announced that the party would soon call on the youth across the country to stage protests against the levy by switching off their motorcycles and other vehicles on major highways and roads. Commenting on national issues, he said the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir should be resolved through dialogue rather than force, and urged authorities to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities. He asked the action committee in Azad Kashmir to purge their ranks and files of miscreants and continue their rights movement under the ambit of the Constitution of Pakistan. He also called on the government to secure the recovery of Priya Kumari and other Pakistani citizens reportedly held hostage by pirates in Somalia. The JI leader criticised alleged interference in political processes, referring to controversies surrounding election management and results. He accused the PPP of undermining democracy and reiterated the party’s claim that JI’s mandate in the Karachi local government elections had been usurped. Published in Dawn, June 23rd , 2026
Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan tomorrow: FO
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian will undertake an official visit to Pakistan tomorrow, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Monday. During his visit, which is at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the president will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers and other high-ranking officials. During his visit, Pezeshkian will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will call on the visiting dignitary, the FO said. “This will be Dr Pezeshkian’s second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as President of Iran,” the FO noted. “During the visit, the two sides will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and explore new avenues to further deepen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade, energy, border security, people-to-people exchanges, and regional connectivity,” it stated. It also termed the visit an “important opportunity to discuss ongoing diplomatic engagements following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest”. “The forthcoming visit reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Iran to further deepen their historic and cultural ties and underscores their common aspiration for peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region,” the FO highlighted. Pezeshkian’s visit follows key direct talks — dubbed the “Lake Lucerne Summit” — held between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, kicking off negotiations under the Islamabad MoU signed on June 18. Under the 14-point accord, Washington and Tehran agreed on a framework to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and negotiate on key issues within 60 days of the signing. The US-Iran talks in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock were mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir representing Pakistan. The Lake Lucerne Summit created a mechanism for further technical talks, which will continue this week, and also set up communication lines to end the fighting in Lebanon and to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open. “Encouraging progress has been made,” the mediators said in their joint statement, including a contact channel set up to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” in the Strait of Hormuz. A “de-confliction cell” between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to prevent fighting from erupting again.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt stress importance of swift conclusion to 'current phase' of US-Iran talks
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt on Sunday welcomed the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran during a Regional Four (R-4) meeting in Cairo, emphasising the importance of achieving a “swift and successful” conclusion to the subsequent phase of negotiations. The meeting came the same day as Pakistan, along with c0-mediator Qatar, hosted delegations from the US and Iran in Switzerland for high-level technical talks ironing out the details of the MoU. On Friday, the FO revealed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar would attend the fourth meeting of foreign ministers in Cairo on June 21 at the invitation of his Egyptian counterpart. According to the joint statement shared by the Foreign Office on X, “At the invitation of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Foreign Ministers of the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Republic of Türkiye convened in Cairo on 21 June 2026.” The ministers welcomed the signing of the Islamabad MoU between the US and Iran on 18 June 2026, it added. “They viewed this important development as a constructive step towards de-escalation and towards ending a conflict which posed significant risks to regional security and stability, as well as to energy markets, international maritime routes, global supply chains, and international trade,” it stated. In this context, the statement said that the foreign ministers commended the “efforts undertaken by regional and international actors that contributed to facilitating the understanding and emphasised the importance of the faithful implementation of the commitments undertaken by the parties concerned”. “The ministers lauded the instrumental efforts of Pakistan in reaching this historic outcome, along with the support extended by Qatar to bring about a successful conclusion to the negotiations on the MoU. “The Ministers also commended the continued and close coordination of Pakistan with them on this important issue,” it said. Building on this positive momentum, the statement said that the particular emphasis was placed on the “importance of achieving a swift and successful conclusion to the subsequent phase of negotiations, which aims to reach a lasting, verifiable, and mutually acceptable solution to the remaining issues”. The ministers emphasised that such efforts should take into account the concerns of countries of the region, particularly with regard to the security and stability of the Gulf Arab States, as well as the Levant region, with a view to strengthening collective security and promoting long-term regional stability, it added. “Reaffirming the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the achievement of peace, security, and stability in the Middle East, the ministers underscored that the Palestinian cause remains at the heart of efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region and constitutes a central pillar for the realisation of a stable and secure regional order,” the statement said. In this regard, it added that particular attention was devoted to the humanitarian and political situation in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem under occupation. “The ministers reiterated their support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as an indispensable foundation for achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the region in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions,” the statement concluded. Meanwhile, in a separate statement on X, the FO said, “FM Ishaq Dar participated in the 4th Meeting of the R-4 foreign ministers in Cairo, Egypt today.” “The ministers reviewed progress on the Islamabad MoU, exchanged views on key regional and global developments, and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and collective efforts for regional peace, stability, and prosperity,” the statement read. It added that the discussions also focused on “strengthening coordination and advancing practical cooperation within the R-4 framework to address shared challenges and opportunities”. On the sidelines, it stated that FM Dar earlier called on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, where, besides bilateral matters, discussions were held on regional developments and cooperation under the R-4 platform. “Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye & Egypt are strengthening partnerships, advancing diplomacy, and building consensus for a more peaceful and connected region,” it said, adding, “A joint statement was also issued at the conclusion of the meeting.” Meeting with Egyptian president Furthermore, the FO said that the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was jointly called on by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt, after the culmination of the R-4 foreign ministers’ meeting in Cairo. During the meeting, FM Dar conveyed the warm greetings and best wishes of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to President El-Sisi, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding, brotherly, and multifaceted relations with Egypt, the FO said. “FM Dar noted with appreciation the positive momentum generated through recent high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Egypt, which have contributed to deepening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors,” the statement added. “He also welcomed President El-Sisi’s acceptance of the PM Shehbaz’s invitation to visit Pakistan and expressed the hope that the exchange of leadership visits between the two countries would take place at the earliest mutually convenient opportunity.” Meanwhile, President El-Sisi appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive and responsible” role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and diplomatic engagement in the region, and commended the contributions of its leadership. “President El-Sisi expressed the hope that ongoing efforts and next phase of negotiations would contribute to lasting peace, security, and prosperity across the wider region.” The statement said that the meeting also focused on the consultations held among the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye under the R-4 framework. “The leaders underscored the growing significance of the R-4 as an important platform for structured dialogue, strategic consultation, and policy coordination on issues of common interest. “They expressed confidence that sustained engagement and collective efforts would contribute to promoting peace, stability, economic development, and regional prosperity, while advancing the shared interests of their countries and peoples,” it added. “The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the close bonds of friendship and mutual respect among the participating countries,” the FO concluded.
Pakistan, Suudi Arabistan, Türkiye ve Mısır’dan ABD-İran görüşmelerine hızlı sonuç çağrısıOpposition unites in rejecting Sindh budget over civic issues
KARACHI: As the post-budget debate in the Sindh Assembly entered its second day on Saturday, opposition parties united in rejecting the provincial financial plan for 2026-27 over Karachi’s deepening civic woes, including persistent water shortage. The situation in a thinly attended house remained tense as members belonging to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) harshly criticised the provincial government for the acute water shortage and poor road infrastructure in Karachi while the treasury members blamed the federal government for the shortage of water in the Indus River. The ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) members credited the party leadership and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah for presenting a “balanced budget that prioritises health, education and women’s empowerment.” The opposition members, however, painted a starkly different picture and dismissed the budget as “undemocratic”, saying it offered little relief for Karachi, leaving it dry and in ruins. Debate in provincial assembly continues for second day Opening the debate, PPP’s Noor Muhammad Bhurgari said the budget had been framed in “difficult circumstances” and that development work had continued despite limited resources. He urged the Centre to take notice of the severe water shortage in Sindh and called for urgent repairs to broken canal bridges in Nawabshah that have caused accidents. PPP’s Nida Khuhro also defended the government’s record, citing 900 completed projects despite floods and inflation, and funding to major hospitals. She said that criticism was the opposition’s right, but asked what the MQM-P had delivered during its time in power. PPP’s Maleeha Manzoor said that there was a 40 per cent water shortage in Sindh. “Water is life. Do not take Sindh’s life away,” she said. MQM-P lawmaker Bilqees Mukhtar said that Karachi had been turned into ruins with acute water shortage and broken roads. “We don’t accept a government or democracy that doesn’t benefit the common man,” she said. She deplored that opposition members received no funds for uplift projects in their respective constituencies, while treasury lawmakers got Rs500 million each. PPP’S Yousuf Baloch termed the budget “people-friendly” and praised what he called “revolutionary steps” like the Pink Bus and Pink Scooty schemes for women. He claimed narcotics in Lyari had been curbed by 60pc, adding that Rs25bn in projects had been given to the area by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. PTI member Rehan Bandukra criticised the government for poor health and nutrition facilities for women and said that 50pc of newborns in the province were stunted due to malnutrition. He said Karachi stood at a critical juncture as it lacked civic facilities. MQM-P’s Dr Fauzia Hameed said that nothing was good as people in the city were running after tankers with no water, no power and no gas. She argued the budget offered no public relief and that Karachi, which contributed “95pc of revenue,” had been allocated only Rs100bn. “If the government hospitals are so good, why do they [those in the government] get treatment from private hospitals?” she asked. MQM-P’s Kiran Masood said the city was Pakistan’s “breadwinner” but its schools lacked basic things like washrooms, tap water, labs, chowkidars and peons. She expressed concerns over the law and order situation in the city and said that her own vehicle had been snatched recently. PTI member Sajid Mir rejected the budget outright. “Where did trillions go? Karachi’s people ask,” he said. Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2026
Sindh Meclisi'nde bütçe maratonu: Muhalefet protestosu altında başladıSindh Assembly begins post-budget debate amid opposition protest
Members of the Sindh Assembly take part in the budget debate.—PPI KARACHI: As the Sindh Assembly began debate on the provincial budget for the financial year 2026-27 on Friday, the house witnessed a protest by opposition lawmakers from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), who dismissed the financial plan as “disappointing”, while the treasury benches hailed it as a “balanced budget in difficult times”. As many as 29 members from the both sides of the aisle participated on the first day of the five-day post-budget debate. Many lawmakers came down heavily on each other, using harsh words which were ultimately expunged by Speaker Syed Awais Shah. While the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party members defended the budget, calling it “the best in the given circumstances”, the opposition members questioned the provincial government’s priorities and policies. 29 members from both sides of the aisle participate in discussion The MQM-P members continued their protest during the post-budget debate as they entered the house carrying placards against the provincial government, with Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in attendance. Opening the debate, PPP’s Dr Sohrab Sarki said that the government was carrying out development work across the province, with the “greatest focus on education”. He said that over 74,000 teachers had been recruited on merit, adding that the Sindh government was functioning “efficiently despite challenging circumstances”. Tanzila Ume Habiba of the PPP termed the budget “very good for the welfare of Sindh’s people”. She stressed that the population surge had to be controlled for any lasting solution to public issues and highlighted that one million families had received houses under the housing scheme announced by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. PPP lawmaker Syed Ejaz Shah praised the chief minister for presenting an “excellent budget” and described the Shahrah-i-Bhutto as a landmark project. The MPA from Tando Muhammad Khan urged the government to release funds for the Tando Muhammad Khan District Hospital. However, MQM-P’s Shariq Jamal said that the people of Sindh were grappling with serious problems but the provincial government was not serious about resolving them. “Sindh received Rs71,000 billion over the past 18 years, yet public issues remain unchanged,” he said, adding that bad governance had made Karachi the third-worst city in the world. He said the MQM-P did not accept the budget and would therefore not discuss it. PPP’s Hassan Ali Shah complained that no new schemes had been included for his constituency and called for a new unit of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Naushahro Feroze. He said that Karachi had been given great importance through several public-private partnership projects. PPP MPA Shazia Karim criticised the opposition’s boycott, saying those claiming to represent urban Sindh had never protested over Karachi’s issues but were quick to agitate for political point-scoring. She said that the province faced an acute water shortage and lauded Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro for pleading the province’s case in Islamabad. “Sindh is not anyone’s estate to be divided,” she remarked, adding that the PPP government was serving Karachi without discrimination. MQM-P’s Aamir Siddiqui lamented that elected representatives of the city that paid the most tax had not been consulted during budget preparation. “Not a single development scheme of Karachi’s MPAs is in the budget,” he said, questioning the Rs551bn allocation for education and Rs200bn demand for the Karachi mayor. He also asked why assembly members sought treatment at private hospitals if public hospitals were adequate in the province. The MQM-P MPA said that he wished the budget presented by the chief minister would actually be implemented. Calling Karachi “an unfortunate city,” he complained that MPAs from the tax-generating metropolis had no schemes in the budget. PPP’s Mohammad Asif Khan listed projects completed in Keamari, including a water line and a dispensary in Sultanabad. He also requested land for a graveyard near Moach Goth. MQM-P’s Adil Askari said that education in Sindh would collapse without proper attention despite budgetary allocations. He alleged massive corruption in the Rs55bn Shahrah-i-Bhutto project built under public-private partnership mode, and termed the seven per cent salary raise for government employees inadequate. During a heated exchange, MQM-P’s Jamal Ahmed took a swipe at a woman lawmaker of the PPP, saying she used to come in a rickshaw and now arrived in a “Dala” (double-cabin vehicle), and urged the Field Marshal to pay attention to Karachi and end corruption. The situation turned more tense after PPP’s Farooq Awan made pointed remarks aimed at the MQM-P. PPP’s Yasmin Shah sought a cut in agricultural income tax from 43pc to 20pc and a release of Rs2bn for Badin. PPP’s Rukhsana Shah highlighted drinking water shortages in Kohistan and livestock deaths due to canal water scarcity. MQM-P’s Quratulain Khan said the budget had “only zero” for opposition MPAs, adding that Karachi residents received Rs10,000 e-challans instead of rights. MQM-P’s Nasir Qureshi deplored the state of Civil Hospital Hyderabad and water shortages in Phuleli for four months. Mohammad Dilawar of MQM-P also asked the Field Marshal to end corruption in the province. MQM-P’s Sheikh Abdullah proposed a code of conduct to avoid personal attacks, noting that workers clashed when speeches reached them. Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2026
Sindh Meclisi'nde bütçe maratonu: Muhalefet protestosu altında başladıPM Shehbaz says 'significant reduction' to be announced in fuel prices
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that a “significant” reduction in fuel prices would be announced later in the day, following the swift decrease in global oil prices after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran to cease hostilities and end a more-than-three-month war. “Today, we have to announce the weekly revision in oil and petrol prices. And I will say just this much: as promised by the government to pass on the relief to the people after oil prices fall, a significant decrease in the prices will be announced today,” he said during an address to the National Assembly (NA). He noted that global oil prices were swiftly falling after the recent agreement between the US and Iran. “Surely, they will decline further,” he added. The premier then recounted that the prices had risen sharply after the US-Israeli war on Iran began, resulting in an “storm of inflation”. “While the people of Pakistan made every humanly possible effort to save the economy, the federal government immediately spent Rs128 billion rupees to bring inflation to the lowest possible level,” he recalled. But now, he said, “the sun of progress and prosperity is about to rise”. The prime minister began his address by noting that Pakistan had earned respect globally after mediating between the US and Iran. “Several countries have sought such respect for centuries, but could not get the respect that God has blessed Pakistan with today. From Japan to Saudi Arabia, from Kuala Lumpur to Casablanca and from Mexico to India, if any country’s name is reverberating with respect and honour, it is Pakistan,” he said. The premier said that if the National Assembly adopted a resolution in this regard, it would not just be an affirmation of Pakistan’s “great success” in its peace endeavour, but it would also send a message of unity and solidarity to the world. He urged both sides of the aisle to collectively send a message to the world that, despite “our political differences, we will always be united” for national causes. The premier said if he would not specifically name those who had worked day and night for peace between the US and Iran, even at the cost of repetition, “I will not be fair to myself, to yourself, to this honourable House and to the people of Pakistan”. “It is an undeniable truth, whether we like it or not, that the most significant role in this is of Field Marshal Asim Munir, who worked tirelessly day and night, sacrificing his sleep for the last two to three months, to restore peace,” he said. He also thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for contributing to peace efforts and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, whom PM Shehbaz said “played his part regarding Iran”. He also congratulated Leader of the Opposition Mehmood Khan Achakzai and other opposition members, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other allies of the ruling PML-N. The premier then shared that he held a telephone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday evening. During the call, he said, the Iranian president repeatedly expressed his gratitude to me and to the entire Pakistani nation for standing by them in difficult times. “I invited him to Pakistan. I told him the entire nation is ready to give him a warm welcome and tell the world that Iran and Pakistan are not just neighbouring countries, but brother countries,” he said. The prime minister said the Iranian president accepted his invitation and said he would come to Pakistan soon and thank Pakistanis. Moreover, he said, the Iranian president asked him to attend the funeral of the assassinated supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on July 3-4. “I said, Pakistan’s delegation will be present there, so we can tell the world how much respect we have for him in our hearts, and that Pakistan and Iran will closely cooperate in the times to come and as a result of the ceasefire, economic prosperity will be witnessed in the region,” he said. More to follow
Centre has committed not to ask for any more ‘sacrifices’ after freeze on provinces’ development funds: Bilawal
PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Thursday that the federal government had promised that allocations for provinces under the 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) award would be “protected”, and that the Centre would not request any further “help or sacrifice” following the recent decision to freeze development allocations for the provinces. The government has decided to freeze development allocations for the provinces for three years to generate more than Rs900 billion in additional resources for the Centre’s strategic needs. Bilawal is currently addressing the National Assembly, which is debating the proposed federal budget for the next fiscal year (FY27). “The provinces’ NFC award and financial resources have been kept protected; no damage will be caused to them,” he declared. “With political consensus, we came up with such a constitutional and democratic solution which meets the national security needs and also minimises complaints from the provinces,” he affirmed. Bilawal then went on to note that the federal government had promised that the allocations of the provinces, which they are due to receive under the NFC award have been kept secure. Bilawal emphasised that the decision was not taken unconstitutionally but rather under Article 164 of the Constitution. “The constitution enables the provinces and the federal government that if they have to spend on a topic which does not fall under their domain — whether for the Centre or provinces — so under the article, provinces can give grants to the Centre or the Centre can give grants to the provinces,” he explained. The PPP chairman also took note of “strange rumours” before the budget was debated in the NA, including the abolishment of the 18th Amendment and changes in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. He thanked PM Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb for remaining engaged with PPP representatives. Bilawal began his speech by praising the efforts of Pakistan’s leadership, particularly the prime minister and the army chief, in the peace agreement between the United States and Iran. “We have experienced the economic impact of uncertain situations. This is why Pakistan always promotes peace,” he said, terming peace “not just a moral necessity but also economic”. “When there is stability in the region, investment increases. When there is peace, the youth get employment, and the country progresses,” he said. “Today, when the world is inching towards peace, Pakistan will have to take a step towards development,” the PPP chairman stressed, adding that he would present his budget speech with the same “spirit”. “The truth is that peace has not been restored completely in the region,” the former foreign minister said, before noting security challenges on the border with Afghanistan, the “threats of Operation Sindoor 2.0” from India and New Delhi’s unilateral contestation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). “I can say with pride that Pakistan has responded to the challenge with political unity and democratic tradition,” he added, declaring that the Centre and the provincial governments have decided to “collectively bear the burden of extraordinary necessities related to defence and national security”. More to follow
Pakistan will have to take a step towards development, says Bilawal as NA mulls budget FY27
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is currently addressing the National Assembly, which is debating the proposed federal budget for the next fiscal year (FY27). He began his speech by praising the efforts of Pakistan’s leadership, particularly the prime minister and the army chief, in the peace agreement between the United States and Iran. “We have experienced the economic impact of uncertain situations. This is why Pakistan always promotes peace,” he said, terming peace “not just a moral necessity but also economic”. “When there is stability in the region, investment increases. When there is peace, the youth get employment, and the country progresses,” he said. “Today, when the world is inching towards peace, Pakistan will have to take a step towards development,” the PPP chairman stressed, adding that he would present his budget speech with the same “spirit”. “The truth is that peace has not been restored completely in the region,” the former foreign minister said, before noting security challenges on the border with Afghanistan, the “threats of Operation Sindoor 2.0” from India and New Delhi’s unilateral contestation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). “I can say with pride that Pakistan has responded to the challenge with political unity and democratic tradition,” he added, declaring that the Centre and the provincial governments have decided to “collectively bear the burden of extraordinary necessities related to defence and national security”. The government has decided to freeze development allocations for the provinces for over a year to generate more than Rs900 billion in additional resources for the Centre’s strategic needs. More to follow
BUDGET 2026-27: Budget debate nearly devolves into fisticuffs
• Finance minister set to deliver winding-up speech today, cut motions to follow • Spats between ruling, opposition lawmakers degenerate into name-calling • PPP defends BISP allocations, demands more funds for agriculture ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is set to deliver the winding-up speech in the lower house as the general debate on the federal budget is expected to be finished today (Thursday), in line with its pre-set 40-hour duration. The NA sitting continued even after 9pm on Wednesday amid multiple unpleasant incidents, with lawmakers almost coming to blows in the house, and the session will resume in the morning today. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who is likely to attend today’s sitting, is also expected to speak. The 40-hour limit for discussion was set by the House Business Advisory Committee, and each party is allocated speech time as per their seats in house. After the general debate is wound up, ‘cut motions’ will follow. One day each is allocated for the passage of the finance bill and the supplementary grants in the outgoing fiscal year. As per the tentative schedule prepared by the National Assembly Secretariat, the general discussion was scheduled till June 19, but it was cut short by two days to wrap up the budget by June 24 before the Ashura holidays. ‘Short of brawl’ The session commenced with a heated debate just short of a brawl between Food Minister Rana Tanvir and PTI leader Amir Dogar. During his speech, Dogar made derogatory comments towards the ruling party lawmaker with a smirk. This prompted a harsh response from Tanvir, who said, “I even knew your father — I know who you people are.” His statement invited the ire of other PTI members and Atif Khan even moved towards Rana Tanvir — criticising the minister for involving families in the political debate. The situation escalated, as both sides used “harsh language”. The speaker asked State Minister for Interior Senator Tallal Chaudhary, who was present in the house, to ease the situation. Eventually, the food minister made a lengthy speech on the agriculture policy of the incumbent government, while acknowledging that it was a devolved subject. During the proceedings, PTI leader Asad Qaiser requested to respond to the remarks made by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who, a day earlier, stated that officials of the intelligence agency used to guide them during meetings held at the residence of Asad Qaiser when he was the NA speaker. Asad Qaiser said, “ If Khawaja Asif feels guilty over taking input from the ISI in meetings regarding FATF, held at the speaker’s house, what would he say about the election results and the presentation of the IMF budget now?” PPP leaders, including Shazia Marri, Naz Baloch, Dr Mehreen Razzaq Bhutto, defended the BISP allocations and demanded more allocations for the agriculture sector. In her speech, Marri also slammed the speculations surrounding the possible 28th Amendment, terming them a move to pressurise party leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari into conceding provinces’ rights. All PPP members defended devolution but criticised the federal budget for limited allocations to sectors already devolved to the provinces, such as agriculture, education, health etc. Afternoon pandemonium The members were visibly sleepy after 2pm when the house witnessed another pandemonium. PML-N’s Azhar Qayyum Nahra lashed out at the PTI members for being “losers and cowards”. “You demand treatment for Imran Khan – what more treatment do you want? We are already treating him as he deserves.” His comment infuriated the PTI members, who started calling him ‘a fake MNA’. Shafqat Awan even moved towards Nahra and used abusive words at least three times. To ease the tension, Nahra was asked by the speaker to finish his speech. Subsequently, the mic was given to PTI’s Zain Qureshi, but the PML-N lawmakers, mainly women, demanded an apology from Awan for using abusive language. PML-N member Shumaila Rana did not allow Mr Qureshi to speak, after which PPP’s Amer Ali Magsi got the mic. After several speakers, Qureshi finally got his turn. Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026
Bilawal agrees to join budget debate after meeting with PM Shehbaz
• PPP leader likely to deliver speech today, to ‘share reservations’ on budget; lauds premier, Field Marshal Munir for Iran peace deal • PM Office says Shehbaz, Bilawal agreed on ‘sustained collaboration’ between Centre, provinces for completion of projects ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif managed to convince the head of his coalition partner, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, to join the budget session after the latter skipped earlier debates owing to his grievances with the federal government. The PPP leader was also reluctant to join the budget debate, and it took Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to convince him to come to the house so that the budget could be tabled. A source close to Bhutto-Zardari said the PPP leader still had reservations but agreed to deliver his speech in the lower house, most likely on Thursday (today), where he would share some of his concerns. In the meeting at the PM House, the premier agreed to address all the PPP concerns regarding the federal budget. A day earlier, the PPP chief had warned of the NA session’s boycott if their demands remained unmet. It was learnt that after the news was published in the print media that Mr Bhutto-Zardari would boycott the budget session, the prime minister contacted the PPP leader and invited him to a meeting to address their reservations regarding the budget. “Chairman Bilawal will join the ongoing budget debate by delivering his speech on the floor of the house tomorrow (Thursday),” a source close to the PPP chairman told Dawn after the meeting. The source said that the PPP chief was still unhappy despite agreeing to come to the house, adding that he would share his concerns and reservations in the budget speech. Another source, however, said all outstanding issues had been settled during the meeting between the two sides. The PPP leader also congratulated the premier on the US-Iran peace deal, mediated by Pakistan, set to be signed on the 19th. As the debate on the federal budget continues in the house, the PPP lawmakers are actively participating in it. They have not ruled out their support for the government, but have criticised almost all aspects of the finance bill. On Tuesday, the PPP chief also complained to PML-N leader Ishaq Dar that the budget document tabled in the house was different from the one shown to the PPP in the pre-budget meetings. A press release issued by the PM’s Office said that PM Shehbaz met Bhutto-Zardari and discussed matters of national importance, the federal budget, development projects and the prevailing regional situation. The meeting reviewed the progress of development projects being implemented by the federal government in the province of Sindh and discussed measures to strengthen cooperation between the federation and the provinces. During the discussion on the federal budget, the prime minister underscored that effective coordination and close cooperation between the federal and provincial governments were indispensable for national development and economic progress. Both leaders agreed that sustained collaboration between federal and provincial institutions was essential for the timely completion of projects of national importance and for ensuring better public services and facilities for citizens. The PPP leader also thanked the prime minister for his support in the process of government formation in Gilgit-Baltistan. According to the press release, the PPP chairman paid tribute to PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote global peace amid the evolving situation in the Middle East. The PM and the PPP chief also exchanged views on political developments and issues of mutual interest concerning the country. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema were also present during the meeting. Mr Bhutto-Zardari was accompanied by Senator Sherry Rehman and Member of the National Assembly Syed Naveed Qamar during the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s House. Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah presents Rs3.652tr budget with no new taxes, 7pc pay raise
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presented a Rs3.652 trillion budget for fiscal year 2026-27 against estimated receipts of approximately Rs3.41tr, resulting in a projected deficit of about Rs242 billion. The session was delayed due to a ruckus created by lawmakers of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). MPA Ali Khurshidi said the party was boycotting the session because the opposition had not been consulted beforehand. The budget proposes no new taxes, a 7 per cent increase in salaries and pensions, a Rs400 billion development programme, a Rs13.2 billion social protection package, and a series of long-term initiatives aimed at transforming Sindh into a regional hub for trade, finance, technology and renewable energy. CM Murad said that in the upcoming fiscal year, the government’s goal was to “maintain fiscal discipline, strengthen public finances, and sustain development momentum during a very challenging year”. He also referred to the deadly Gul Plaza fire, saying that the Sindh government had approved one of the largest relief packages in response to the incident, amounting to Rs8.45 billion, including compensation of Rs10 million for the family of each deceased victim. Provincial cabinet approves budget Earlier today, the Sindh cabinet approved the proposed provincial budget for fiscal year 2026-27, state broadcaster PTV reported. It was approved in a session chaired by CM Murad, who said that every class had been catered to in the proposed budget and steps were being taken to eradicate poverty from the province, PTV said. The report added that the Sindh government also decided on the minimum wage for workers in the budget. During the meeting, the provincial cabinet appreciated the “record” development initiatives taken during the previous fiscal year, according to the CM House. It added that the cabinet also “reaffirmed its commitment to public service” under the leadership of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. As per the statement, the budget also includes an increase in minimum wage for workers. Ahead of the provincial budget, CM Murad, in a meeting a day earlier, reviewed the performance of major revenue-generating departments and directed them to strengthen collection mechanisms and improve fiscal efficiency to support the province’s development agenda.
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah presents provincial budget for FY2026-27
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who also holds the portfolio of the finance department, is presenting the provincial budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in the assembly. The session was earlier delayed due to a ruckus created by lawmakers of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). MPA Ali Khurshidi said the party was boycotting the session because the opposition had not been consulted beforehand. CM Murad said that in the upcoming fiscal year, the government’s goal was to “maintain fiscal discipline, strengthen public finances, and sustain development momentum during a very challenging year”. He also referred to the deadly Gul Plaza fire, saying that the Sindh government had approved one of the largest relief packages in response to the incident, amounting to Rs8.45 billion, including compensation of Rs10 million for the family of each deceased victim. Provincial cabinet approves budget Earlier today, the Sindh cabinet approved the proposed provincial budget for fiscal year 2026-27, state broadcaster PTV reported. It was approved in a session chaired by CM Murad, who said that every class had been catered to in the proposed budget and steps were being taken to eradicate poverty from the province, PTV said. The report added that the Sindh government also decided on the minimum wage for workers in the budget. During the meeting, the provincial cabinet appreciated the “record” development initiatives taken during the previous fiscal year, according to the CM House. It added that the cabinet also “reaffirmed its commitment to public service” under the leadership of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. As per the statement, the budget also includes an increase in minimum wage for workers. Ahead of the provincial budget, CM Murad, in a meeting a day earlier, reviewed the performance of major revenue-generating departments and directed them to strengthen collection mechanisms and improve fiscal efficiency to support the province’s development agenda.
AJK Assembly passes laws to regularise ad hoc, temporary employees amid opposition walkout
Flanked by some of his ministers, AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore addresses a gathering of ad hoc and temporary employees at the entrance of the assembly which passed two bills to regularise their jobs. — Dawn MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly on Tuesday approved two laws aimed at regularising the services of hundreds of ad hoc, temporary and contractual employees, amid a walkout by opposition lawmakers. The opposition staged the walkout after a heated exchange during a discussion on an alleged detention incident raised by a PTI lawmaker from Muzaffarabad on a point of order. He claimed that two women from his constituency had been held in illegal custody by police at their 15-Centre and that their husbands were also detained when they sought information at a police station. Law Minister Mian Abdul Waheed assured the house that he would personally look into the matter and report back. However, an exchange of taunts between treasury and opposition members followed, prompting former prime minister and PTI president Abdul Qayyum Niazi to announce a boycott of the proceedings. As he left the chamber, Mr Niazi made remarks about the assembly that drew a strong reaction from Forests Minister Sardar Javed Ayoub, who called for action against any member disrespecting the house. PTI members were joined in the walkout by legislators of the PML-N. With the opposition absent, Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar deferred the question hour and took up legislative business. The law minister tabled the AJK Regularisation of Services of Ad hoc or Temporary Employees (Basic Pay Scale-1) Ordinance, 2026, and the AJK Regularisation of Services of Ad hoc and Contract Employees Act, 2026. After suspending the relevant procedural rules, the house passed both measures without debate. Government members said the legislation would benefit around 5,000 employees, most of them non-gazetted staff. Speaking after the passage of the laws, Mr Waheed said the issue had remained unresolved for years despite many employees having served for more than a decade under repeated extensions of their appointments. Prime Minister Faisal Rathore said the beneficiaries had not been appointed by his government but that protecting their livelihoods was a matter of conscience. He added that he would have been happier had the opposition remained in the house during the passage of the legislation. At the prime minister’s request, some cabinet members later persuaded opposition lawmakers to return to the chamber. The assembly subsequently debated six resolutions moved separately by PML-N president Shah Ghulam Qadir, PML-N lawmakers Raja Farooq Haider, Sardar Amir Altaf and Nisara Abbasi, PPP president Chaudhry Mohammad Yasin, and jointly by six cabinet members. The resolutions welcomed the recent US-Iran peace accord and congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, members of his cabinet and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their role in enhancing Pakistan’s standing internationally. PPP lawmakers additionally paid tribute to President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The house also paid tribute to the victims of a helicopter crash in Muzaffarabad and to law enforcement personnel who lost their lives in clashes with a proscribed outfit. The assembly will meet again on Wednesday. Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2026
Bilawal warns of NA boycott if PPP’s demands not met
• Party claims budget differs from figures shared during pre-budget consultations • Questions provinces’ capacity to meet IMF-linked revenue targets • Another round of talks expected soon ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday once again conveyed his concerns over the federal budget to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, indicating that he would not speak during the ongoing budget debate in the National Assembly unless all of the party’s reservations were addressed. “Bilawal sahib has decided that he will not deliver his speech unless all promises made by the government with the PPP regarding the budget are fulfilled,” a source close to the PPP chairman told Dawn after the meeting. In the huddle with Dar held at Parliament House, Mr Bhutto-Zardari was accompanied by senior PPP leaders, including Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar, Raja Pervez Ashraf and Ijaz Jakhrani. The source said Bhutto-Zardari appeared upset with the budget, stating that it was different from the document shared with the PPP. In fact, the government has shown us something different from what was presented in the National Assembly,” the source told Dawn. He added that another round of talks between Bhutto-Zardari and Dar was expected to be held soon. Later, speaking to reporters after the meeting, the PPP leader expressed hope that their concerns would be addressed. “By the grace of Allah Almighty, our reservations will be addressed. We have again discussed the matter with Dar sb,” he said. Responding to a question regarding the formation of a government in Gilgit-Baltistan after recent elections, Bhutto-Zardari expressed confidence that the PPP would form its government there. Several rounds of talks had already taken place in recent weeks between the PPP leadership and the deputy prime minister on the budget issue. Sources said the latest meeting indicated that either the government had not incorporated the PPP’s proposals or that key concerns remained unresolved. The discussion also covered expenditure priorities, development spending, including the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), and broader economic issues such as fiscal sustainability, public welfare, development initiatives and inclusive growth. The IMF has reportedly asked the federal government to introduce additional revenue measures worth around Rs430 billion in the upcoming budget, along with a similar amount expected from the provinces. In this connection, the PPP asked Dar to suggest how provinces could increase their tax revenues. PPP leaders have opposed new taxes and hoped the government would change its approach to taxation to provide relief to the inflation-hit masses. Another source told Dawn that the PPP team stressed during the meeting that the government should focus on broadening the tax base rather than exerting pressure on the same class. Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2026
'Torch bearer of peace': Politicians hail Pakistan's role as mediator in US-Iran agreement
In the early hours of Monday, the US and Iran agreed on a framework to end the more than three-month-long war, renewing hopes for a permanent end to the conflict that has engulfed much of the region. In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a deal had been struck, which was later confirmed by US President Donald Trump, with an “official signing ceremony” expected on Friday, June 19, in Switzerland. Here’s how politicians reacted to the development, particularly to the role of Pakistan, a key mediator in the peace process. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari hailed the peace deal, stressing that the “breakthrough” had shown that “diplomacy can succeed where confrontation cannot”. He commended the roles played in the peace process by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as well as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. “This is an important first step toward lasting peace. Pakistan remains ready to support the next phase of dialogue and negotiations,” he said. President Zardari also welcomed the development, expressing hope that it will “pave the way for a final agreement and lay the foundation for durable and comprehensive peace in the region”. He held that Pakistan was proud to have supported dialogue and diplomacy during the “difficult period”. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a post on X, lauded the role of CDF Munir in the process. “He did it. Again,” he said of CDF Munir, adding, “Not just for his country this time, but for the world”. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman also welcomed the development, describing it as the outcome of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. “The establishment of consensus between the US and Iran is a positive signal towards reducing tensions on a global scale,” a statement issued by the PPP’s media cell quoted her as saying. She expressed hope that the “confidence building” between the two nations will lead to “new hopes” in the region. “Pakistan, playing a responsible and balanced role, has contributed to paving the way for an atmosphere of reconciliation,” she said, congratulating PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir and the Pakistani leadership for “elevating Pakistan’s prestige”. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in a post on X, appreciated the role of CDF Munir, who he said had won two wars in “one year” — referring to the four-day conflict with India in May 2025. “Victorious commander against India, and a triumphant diplomat with utmost patience and forbearance on the front of peace — successful on both fronts,” he said of CDF Munir, praying for future victories. Asif also appreciated PM Shehbaz for his role in both the India and Iran conflicts with his “sincerity and diplomatic acumen”. “This balance and singular focus in the interest of the country is the result that (by) the grace of God remains ongoing and continuous,” he said, optimistic that the leadership would “emerge victorious on the economic front and the war against terrorism as well”. Meanwhile, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, welcoming the development, said that Pakistan was a “torchbearer of peace and a beacon of hope”. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani paid tribute to the political and military leadership for their efforts, according to a statement carried by state broadcaster PTV. “Positive outcomes of Iran-US Talks can usher in a new era of development and prosperity in the region,” PTV quoted him as saying. Khyber Pankhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi termed the development a “welcome and timely step” that reflected the “triumph of dialogue over confrontation”. He commended the efforts of the Pakistani leadership for their “coordinated, principled, and visionary efforts that contributed to a historic diplomatic achievement”. He said the development had elevated “Pakistan’s standing as a credible and responsible force for peace, dialogue, and global stability,” adding that it had also reaffirmed Pakistan’s role as a “bridge-builder in moments of international significance”. Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, in a post on X, said the agreement was a “powerful step” forward. “Pakistan remains committed to global harmony, and I applaud our nation’s vital role in mediating this historic outcome,” he said, adding that the achievement was a direct result of CDF Munir and the prime minister’s “tireless efforts”. ”June 19, 2026, is going to be a big day. Insha’Allah!” he added.
Trump İran Nükleer Anlaşması İçin Nihai Kararını VeriyorPM Shehbaz says Pakistan to host signing ceremony of US-Iran agreement in Geneva
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that while the signing ceremony of an agreement reached between the US and Iran — which is aimed at ending a war that began three months ago — would be held in Geneva, it would be hosted by Pakistan. At the outset of his speech, he said that today, the world had achieved a “historic milestone” of peace. The premier said that a new dawn had emerged as “after three months and 16 days of tireless efforts, the US and Iran announced an immediate and permanent end to military action, including in Lebanon”. The signing ceremony of this historic agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Geneva, PM Shehbaz said, adding that Pakistan will be “hosting” the ceremony. He congratulated the people of Pakistan, the international community and the members of the House. He further thanked PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif “whose guidance was always available to me”. The premier also thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other party heads. “This is not an agreement between two countries, but it is the success of peace and dialogue — a diplomatic success,” the PM remarked, commending the top leadership of both countries. He said that throughout the negotiation process, the leadership from both the US and Iran displayed patience and sense under difficult circumstances. “As a result, the entire world has come to witness this great day,” he remarked. More to follow
Trump İran Nükleer Anlaşması İçin Nihai Kararını Veriyor'A new dawn': PM Shehbaz hails US-Iran agreement
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday hailed the US-Iran agreement, commending the leadership of both countries for the “diplomatic success”. At the outset of his speech, he said that today, the world had achieved a “historic milestone” of peace. The premier said that a new dawn had emerged as “after three months and 16 days of tireless efforts, the US and Iran announced an immediate and permanent end to military action, including in Lebanon”. The signing ceremony of this historic agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Geneva, PM Shehbaz said, adding that Pakistan will be “hosting” the ceremony. He congratulated the people of Pakistan, the international community and the members of the House. He further thanked PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif “whose guidance was always available to me”. The premier also thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other party heads. “This is not an agreement between two countries, but it is the success of peace and dialogue — a diplomatic success,” the PM remarked, commending the top leadership of both countries. He said that throughout the negotiation process, the leadership from both the US and Iran displayed patience and sense under difficult circumstances. “As a result, the entire world has come to witness this great day,” he remarked.
Trump İran Nükleer Anlaşması İçin Nihai Kararını VeriyorPM Shehbaz addresses NA
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently addressing the National Assembly. At the outset of his speech, he said that today, the world had achieved a “historic milestone” of peace. The premier said that a new dawn had emerged as “after three months and 16 days of tireless efforts, the US and Iran announced an immediate and permanent end to military action, including in Lebanon”. The signing ceremony of this historic agreement will be held on Friday, June 19, in Geneva, PM Shehbaz said, adding that Pakistan will be “hosting” the ceremony. He congratulated the people of Pakistan, the international community and the members of the House. He further thanked PML-N Supremo Nawaz Sharif “whose guidance was always available to me”. The premier also thanked President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and other party heads. “This is not an agreement btw two countries, but it is the success of peace and dialogue — a diplomatic success,” the PM remarked, commending the top leadership of both countries.
Kundi claims PPP will form next govt in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi addresses a gathering in Mansehra on Sunday. — Dawn MANSEHRA: KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday claimed that Pakistan People’s Party would form the next government in the province, claiming widespread corruption in public sector departments had exposed the performance of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government. “This Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government has failed to address the issues of corruption and militancy faced by the people of the province. Its lawmakers, from top to bottom, merely raise slogans for the release of their founding chairman while enjoying the privileges of power and prolonging their rule,” he told a public gathering in the Lassan Thakral area here. The governor said that PTI lawmakers were at loggerheads over key government positions including the office of the chief minister, which, according to him, had further exposed alleged corruption within the provincial government. “The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are becoming increasingly aware of the shortcomings and corruption of the provincial government and will make their decision accordingly in the next elections,” he said. Mr Kundi alleged that the PTI-led government had failed to deliver on its promises and had been unable to ensure good governance and effective public service delivery across the province. “The people of this militancy-hit province have been suffering due to corruption, poor governance and favouritism under successive PTI governments over the past 13 years,” he said. The governor said that the PPP would never abandon its longstanding stance on safeguarding the rights of the country’s federating units, adding that under Article 158 of the Constitution, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had priority rights over their natural resources. “The federal government should ensure an uninterrupted supply of natural gas to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and my party will raise its voice for this cause at every available forum,” Mr Kundi said. He said that the PPP had performed well in Gilgit-Baltistan due to the confidence people reposed in the party’s policies. “The PPP is the only truly federal party in the country. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has projected a positive image of Pakistan during his visits to Europe and other parts of the world,” Mr Kundi said. The governor further claimed that, due to the efforts and sincerity of the federal government, the United States and Iran were moving towards a ceasefire arrangement. Earlier in the day, Mr Kundi inaugurated a free medical camp organised by a non-governmental organisation in the Lassan Thakral area of Mansehra as the chief guest. Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2026
PPP links AJK election to peace in region
• Bilawal urges protesters to call off sit-ins • Party’s AJK wing wants election schedule withdrawn as PML-N insists on elections without delay • Two deaths reported from Rawalakot ISLAMABAD: In what appears to be a rethink of the elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the PPP swung into action on Sunday, with its chairman urging the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to end its protests and its AJK chapter asking the Election Commission to withdraw the election schedule. The developments came as two people were killed and eight others injured in a clash between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari appealed to protesters in AJK to end their demonstrations, warning that the unrest was “damaging both the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s international reputation”. In a statement, the PPP chairman said the imminent signing of the Pakistan-mediated peace agreement between the United States and Iran marked “a historic moment”. “At a time when the international spotlight is firmly on Pakistan, the ongoing unrest in AJK is damaging both the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s reputation,” the former foreign minister added. He urged protesters to end their demonstrations peacefully and asked those who had “taken the law into their own hands” to surrender to the authorities and allow “due process to take its course”. The PPP chairman stressed that political grievances should be resolved through “democratic, constitutional and peaceful means”. “Parliament and the political process — not the streets — are the appropriate forums for addressing and settling such issues,” he said. Recalling that the PPP had already asked the AJK Election Commission to withdraw its “premature election schedule” for polls set for July 27, he said the party remained committed to a political solution and would seek the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address outstanding grievances. In an apparent reference to the June 5 decision to proscribe JAAC, he said the AJK government could review notifications issued against protesting groups if all stakeholders, including the federal government, reached a consensus. Withdrawal of poll schedule Meanwhile, PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin urged the Election Commission to immediately withdraw the election schedule, stressing the need for initiating dialogue to defuse the current crisis. Addressing a packed press conference at Kashmir House in the federal capital after a meeting of the party’s core committee, Yasin said negotiations and political consensus were unavoidable to address the challenges facing the state and end the prevailing tensions. “Implementation has been completed on 37 of JAAC’s 38 demands. Only the constitutional matter relating to refugee seats remains under consideration, for which alternative legal and constitutional avenues exist,” he said. Criticising the timing of the election schedule, he said its announcement just three days before the protest call was inappropriate. “Under the current circumstances, holding elections appears difficult. The Election Commission should withdraw the schedule and move the consultative process forward. The PPP is not in favour of any confrontation or clash. Twelve refugee seats cannot be more valuable than human lives,” he said. He also warned that hostile forces, particularly India, could exploit the situation. The PPP AJK core committee unanimously decided to prioritise reconciliation and political harmony over confrontation. Rawalakot clash Two people were killed and eight others injured in a clash between protesters and law enforcement personnel near Eidgah Ground in Rawalakot during the early hours of Sunday, according to Poonch Divisional Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan. JAAC has been holding nightly gatherings at the site since Wednesday. The shutter-down strike observed on JAAC’s call continued for a sixth consecutive day across most parts of AJK, including Muzaffarabad. Authorities also suspended mobile phone services in Rawalakot on Saturday night, while internet services, already suspended across the region, were extended for another six days until June 20. ‘PML-N wants polls sans delay’ Speaking to a private TV channel, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that the PML-N wanted elections in AJK to be held on time without delay. He described the polls as the solution to prevailing issues in the region. The minister said the PPP had not consulted the PML-N regarding the postponement of the AJK polls. Chaudhry said the current AJK Assembly had taken the oath on Aug 3 and noted that elections must be held before Aug 4. He affirmed that July 27 was scheduled to be the polling day in the region. However, he added that the deadline for submission of nomination papers could be extended if required. Referring to the recent unrest, Chaudhry expressed regret over the loss of lives in Rawalakot and urged protesters to end sit-ins and demonstrations. Meanwhile, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said differences should be resolved through democratic and constitutional means. “Everyone has the right to protest, but taking the law into one’s own hands cannot be allowed,” he told reporters outside Parliament House. Muharram factor PPP senior leader Nayyar Hussain Bukhari said the party had sought postponement of the AJK elections because of the law and order situation as well as the commencement of the holy month of Muharram, which would halt electioneering activities. “It has been the party’s position from the outset that elections should not be held in AJK without the restoration of peace,” he said. Bukhari also said local government elections in Gilgit-Baltistan should be postponed because of Muharram. Syed Irfan Raza in Islamabad and Tariq Naqash in Muzaffarabad also contributed to this report Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2026
Asif: Mülteci Koltuklarının Kaderini AJK Halkı Belirlesin